Ekmong is as surprised as Doozey with the details of Graxx’s tales, even if he already knew the punchline. The well-mannered tiefling shows surprise and delight with admirable composure, but he can’t fully hide his satisfaction. “House Brokengulf may not have had any involvement in your latest quest, but we are big admirers and beneficiaries of it nonetheless. We will be sure to be present at the event tomorrow to show our support for your accomplishments and continued betterment of Phlan. That said, you must be aware that the loss of a dragon is no small defeat for the Cult of the Dragon. A public display, which they will inevitable learn about, will serve to gather support for our fight but it may also push the Cult into more aggressive measures. This is both a good and a bad outcome. Many will suffer in their tighter grip, but they are also more likely to make mistakes when pushed to uncomfortable corners. That’s when we attack!”
The rest of the conversation/dinner is more pleasant. Ekmong has little more intel to share at the moment and is sincerely satisfied with the deafest of Rythnax, a Dragon he had mentioned only recently but which CRAP already took care of. The regent tiefling is proud of the group and the powerful allies he has gathered.
Nonetheless, it looks like Ekmong is looking past the transactional nature of offering rewards. “Our goals are aligned. We support each other and will continue to gather more allies. Certainly, this is more than just a job for your now. I can feel it, and you have the Brokengulf support in the fight ahead. You may consider your debt to this house paid. From now own we are allies in this fight, not contractual partners.”
Overall, this is a very pleasant evening but a somewhat early one. Soon, farewells are being said and the group is being politely escorted back to the main gate.
(OOC: As before, please feel free to RP this further, but otherwise, we should be ready to close this day with a Long Rest and continue on to the next morning’s event.)
"It was a younger one, but Rythnax still fought with no small amount of ferocity," Neya says. "His death also comes with the bonus of depriving the Cult of the Dragon of an ally."
"Does anyone have the amulet he was carrying?" Neya looks around at the group that was on the dragon hunt.
"I'm glad that we have been able to pay our debt to House Brokengulf. Our mistrust could have caused a far greater rift and the alliance we now enjoy against our mutual enemies. It is important that we continue to be open with each other, especially now we likely face a wounded animal."
Pondering on the amulet that Neya mentioned, Utar adds, "It isn't on my person, Obsben, Graxx, did either of you two pick it up?"
As it became increasingly clear that the party wasn't just pulling everyone's leg about defeating a dragon -- a young one, sure, but a dragon all the same -- Doozey became somewhat despondent as sense of guilt began gnawing at him. Biscuit was quite the opposite however, seeming to understand enough of the conversation as to look almost proud of his 'packmates'. He resigns himself to merely "Boofing" a couple of times in approval, knowing or sensing his more direct means of showing approval might not be taken so well in present, noble company.
"I believe that is in your bag at the moment, Neya. Though, I've already inspected it, and it has no magical properties to speak of... But pretell what you intend to do with it?"Obsben chimed in, sounding more curious than what her otherwise more placid expression might give away. Doozey too perked up at the mention of an amulet. But apart from any other shocking revelations, he's just as content let the evening play itself out without much input on his part. Notably, or at least notably for Utar perhaps, the quiet resentment Doozey had for Ekmong ever since the assassination is not present that evening. Though he still kept any idle and happenstance conversation with the noble brief, it seemed as if he'd finally let go fo the feeling at some point while away or had gotten better at masking his feelings...
Regardless, once the party are eventually led out of the gate once more with fuller bellies and brighter of spirits, Obsben confesses her intent to stay at Mar's for the evening, citing some plan to meet Harper there for some business. Booth Doozey and Biscuit look relieved at the news, but quickly try to play it off the moment she so much as glances at the pair. "I might come around in the morning, but if I don't, know I'll still be around town for some time yet. And if you ever need me then, you know how to reach me. Isn't right, Utar?" She asks, giving the half-orc a playful smile.
With that, barring any other final goodbyes, she actually surprises Doozey with a hug and whispers something in his ears that leaves the stoutling looking a little paler than usual, before then skipping away.
Graxx celebrates with the group and welcomes the new allies of House Brokengulf. Graxx grows tired as his belly is full and is ready for the long rest.
"Ah, right..." Neya says, as she takes it out of the bag. "Rythrax was displaying this proudly as he was verbally preening himself. Soon, all of Phlan will know of the dragon's fate, but that alone doesn't indicate the Cult of the Dragon. Outside of the dragon's body, it is the most solid piece of evidence of the Cult's continued activity in the Moonsea area. Ekmong, perhaps you could use this to justify asking the other noble houses to, at the very least, keep a closer eye on the surrounding area for significant movements?"
“A grand idea, Neya.” Ekmong says taking the amulet from then eldritch monk. He looked a bit worried for a moment as the group seemed to not know where they placed this amulet they had just mentioned, but that is all gone now. “This should help bring some more allies to our cause, even if not immediately. And announcing the Cult presence publicly might sow panic, so I agree to take it from the you if the next best idea was to make it part of tomorrow’s event.”
Ekmong agress with Utar and Graxx regarding the new status of the relationship between the noble house and CRAP. Whatever concerns Doozey may still have seem to not be shared among the wider group, and Ekmong gives the halfling a few reassuring looks, showing that he had noticed the ranger’s past doubts.
Once the meal is concluded and Obsben shifts the conversation to sleeping arrangements, Ekmong politely wishes everyone a good night and escorts you back to the gate. Be it either at Leadstopper’s or Mar’s, the CRAPers have a restful night.
(OOC: You may complete a Long Rest.)
In the next morning, as early as it may still be, CRAP can already hear the sounds of the gathering crowd in Podol Plaza.
(OCC: How would you like to go about the public display? Do you have any grand ideas? You know Aleyd is not the creative type, so she is likely to rely on you for the showmanship of it all. Also, who is hopping on stage and who is staying in the background or blending into the crowd?)
After careful consideration after the events the previous night, Neya realized that she already is acting as an example of one of the Silent Wood working in the open. She's just adding a target to her back. All she needs to do is to keep doing what she's been doing all along, her job. No need to complicate matters too much.
Not really one for showmanship, herself, she simply climbs the stairs and takes her place on the platform.
Obsben doesn't return to the CRAP residence the following morning, citing through sending to Utar some 'business' cropping up with Harper that needed tending to. But she is sure to congratulate the party for the honors they were to receive, and promises to at least try and be available for any evening banquets that day, if any were on the docket. And even if not, a gentle reminder is also given to let her know if CRAP ever has need of her arcane expertise.
During breakfast that same morning, a confused looking Doozey enters the dining area staring at a ring in hand while scratching the back of his head with the other hand. "Neya, did... did you slip a ring in my pocket? 'cause I found this in it."He places it on the table, revealing the ring to be the same one found during the party's venture chasing down Spernik. If anyone makes clear what the ring is meant to do, Doozey considers it a moment, before shrugging and leaving it to the party to decide what they may wish to do with it.
Apart from that, Doozey makes a point of retrieving Berry back from the party. Now as far as the ceremony was to go, as far as the stoutling had been concerned, there was no need for him to be on the stage apart from solidarity with the party. So, so long as it was brought up before hand, then he not only ACTUALLY makes a point of getting cleaned up for proceedings(as well as he knew how), but summoned Berry and Gravy with the express purpose of having the duo keep an eye on the proceedings from the roofs and places he noted from watching the leadstopper's... execution. All with the goal in mind of having them watching out danger on the sly, and note any peculiarities with crowd goers to report to him later.
In the meantime, if/when it came to Doozey stepping up on the stage, he does so from the back of Biscuit. Both ranger and companion put on there best 'humble hero' veneer, putting to practice the impromptu training at being more amicable from their time spent getting Elisande settled into her new home and playing 'politics' with other members of his order during his departure. But as his own exploits were... nonexistent where it came to the dragon, anything more done by the stoutling is only done int he heat of the moment to compliment his fellow CRAPers.
@Everyone:
Unless brought up during the downtime between scenes, Obsben kept the Ring of Warmth, magnifying glass, and Arcane Grimoire,+1 found during the group's recent adventure. And would've when time permitted made a point of getting her cut of the reward/coinage from the dragon hoard. But she wouoldn't need much convincing to have the grimoire be payment, if the party makes the counter argument.
Also, friendly reminder to add either to the bag of holding or to people's sheet the Longsword of Life Stealing(which I think Neya took up?), bonecounter mace, Splint, and the bronze amulet sized for a dragon(worth 500gp). At least until the party decides to try and possibly liquidate/trade away those items.
So from the various denomination of coin and gems, the split comes to 750 gp each and 250 gold gold from Cassra's reward.)
Podol Plaza is crowded. The citizens of Phlan have learned by experience that announcements from the Black Fist calling them to the gallows mean some sort of grim spectacle, usually in the form of a public execution (RIP Rillo Leadstopper).
CRAP arrives through the backstreets, as Aleyd had reminded them. The captain is a bit surprised in seeing the switch in the halfling member of the adventuring party, but is too serious and/or polite of a person to get into that at the moment. She rushes the group onto the "stage", mentioning something about "the crowd has been waiting" and "I wasn't granted much time once I admitted today's event didn't involve an execution."
CRAP takes the back portion of the gallows as Aleyd steps forward. She commands the crowd's attention, though it is likely they listen quickly because they are relieved the event is finally about to start. The captain looks around and confirms that the guards are positioned in their vantage points to help keep the ceremony civil. She never notices the additional mastiff and raven security pets mixed in with her own soldiers.
"A victory has been achieved!" She begins, silencing the few members of the crowd who were still murmuring. "Phlan has defeated yet another of its enemies! Our history is marred with many falls, but the people of Phlan have always risen again. Today, we rise even higher." She pauses and gestures behind her to Neya, Graxx, Utar, and Doozey on Biscuit. "Through the brave efforts of the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party, Phlan has brought down its fiercest enemy yet!" She invites the group forward.
CRAP spots a few familiar faces in the crowd. Mar is there, sweating while holding Imizael on his shoulders. The dwarven Lieutenant Hurn has made his way from his post at the docks, as have Captain Hulbard and his crew/family. Aleyd's rival, Lieutenant Cron Bolver, is grimacing in the distance. Harper is surely here somewhere too (maybe even Obby?), and even Sagin has found a corner from where to watch. Ekmong and a few retainers have claimed a balcony, as have Lady Dala Silmerhelve and her advisor Olisara Lightsong. Another balcony has been claimed by Whitebeard and a few companions, including Rag and Thokk. Maybe Moneus is around too. Other familiar faces include: Aya Glenmiir, Acolyte Cassyt, Doomguide Yovir Glandon, Marten and Vera Foss, and even Cassra Brandywine. Others have surely made their way here, but it would be impossible to spot every familiar face in the sea of townsfolk. Seranolla is understandably missing, and it seems Villonah has not yet made her way back to town.
Graxx answers Aleyd's call, stepping forward and revealing Rythnax's severed head with a strong pull from within the group's magical bag. His trophy-raising and victory cry are followed by an unanimous gasp of disbelief, which is, in turn, followed by a roaring cheer! The crowd goes wild. Many words mix in the air: "A dragon! They killed a dragon?!", "I didn't think that was possible?", "Aren't dragons immortal?", "Who are they?", "She said Chaotic Relief", "Are they really... CRAP?", "Look at his weapons!", "They are people of Torm!", "Have I seen that girl before?", "Who's a good boi?", "Mommy, Mommy, I want be a CRAP when I grow up!", "Death to all dragons!". "VIVA Chaotic Relief!", "For the defense of Phlan!", "CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!"
The celebration is only intensified when Aleyd adds her voice to the chants: "Let them know that Phlan will stand strong! We will defeat our enemies! We will prevail!" You know that she knows that they are listening.
Obby never makes an obvious appearance. But if anyone ever makes a concentrated effort to find Harper, assuming said man is even among the crowd, then they all too likely spot a female gnome with hot pink hair with a skull cap covering hot pink hair at his side and wearing a more rough 'n tumble get up. Though none too far from her is a familiar looking tressym languidly observing the proceedings.
Meanwhile on stage, Doozey visibly began to struggle to keep a straight face, as he heard and understood perhaps far more than most of the general chatter, and couldn't help but mutter, "Guess it's too late to change our names now." Yet for all of his discomfort, an unbothered Biscuit bays and boofs in agreement following aleyd's last words.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The severed head of a dragon is not something your average townsfolk sees everyday. This magnificent trophy is something to be celebrated, and the citizens of Phlan are feeling quite patriotic following the public announcement. Nothing else needs to be said, that much is plain to see.
Aleyd looks back at the party and smiles. "Job done," she says in a volume only you four can hear. "There is plenty more to be done but, for now, we have a few fully-repented tribesmen to liberate." She approached Graxx and puts a hand on his shoulder: "In the coming days, when you are ready, come to me again and I will release your folk to your care." Before the paladin of Tempus can respond, she adds: "It comes at a cost, though. They cannot stay in town and they will only be released under the condition that they will be escorted back home by a trustworthy warrior who respects the values of Phlan."She looks Graxx in the eye and nods, trusting the man understands her meaning.
The city-wide celebrations continued for the entirety of the day and the night that follows. As Aleyd said, there are many things that still need done in this long fight against the Cult of the Dragon, and CRAP is now the spearhead of the Phlan counter-assault, and a publicly-seen one at that. Today, however, the entire city celebrates. As if giving permission for CRAP to join the celebrations, Aleyd makes one last public display in rewarding you with a hefty bag of coin (2,000gp). The crowd cheers loudly once again. Some of them might now be convinced that a life of dragon-hunting is a worthy and lucrative career.
(OOC#1: As the "camera zooms out" to show just how widely the celebrations have already spread through the city, we reach the end of Episode 11. Go ahead and add 4,200 XP to each of your character's sheets. Details can be found in the OOC Chat. Thanks everyone for another great episode.)
(OOC#2: Feel free to wrap up any last bit of RP you'd like. I'll close out this thread by this time tomorrow after one or two last bookkeeping posts. We can deal with downtime activities out-of-character.)
This is our usual end-of-episode bookkeeping post. It's been a little while but it should look familiar. In this post, we'll note all the XP gained during the episode so that we all have a handy one-stop-shop in this thread to verify your XP gains. It also helps all of us ensure that we are on the same page. More details on the exact XP gained can be found in the OOC chat, and are summarized in the box below.
ACT I - Mysteries in Method.............................................................4,800 XP per character ACT II - Truth in Text..................................................................5,000 XP per character ACT III - The Dragon's Swamp............................................................4,200 XP per character
TOTAL XP earned by the party...........................................................14,000 XP per character
Just to confirm, you should each have somewhere between 89,800 and 90,340 XP as of the end of this episode.
Here are some last reminders before I close out this thread:
Now that the episode is concluding, you all have a good opportunity to engage in any dividing/sharing/bargaining/requesting/trading of your spoils of war as you see fit, if so desired. Please do so in the OOC Chat on the Discord conversation we just created.
I will soon initiate the conversation on downtime activities, though this may take a bit longer this time around as my access will be intermittent.
You should feel free to go shopping for any mundane items during downtime without the need for RPing. I'll reiterate that this only applies to more mundane items, which can be sold for 50% value (rounded down) or bought for the price listed in the PHB. Potions of healing of the common variety fall under this mundane category as well. If you plan to purchase several of the same item, you may run into supply shortages as stores' inventories are not infinite. Just let me know what you plan to buy and we can go from there.
You can assume that there are enough financiers in town for you to exchange your coins/gems/art pieces/treasure as you see fit. You obviously have to keep the same overall value in your wallet, but feel free to exchange all those pesky copper pieces for silver, cumbersome electrum pieces for gold, opals and sculptures for coins, etc. The only exception here is platinum. Those coins are not readily available for exchanging.
With that, I'm closing the curtains on this episode. As mentioned OOC, I am taking some time off and then have some prep to do, but we should be back for the next episode soon enough. I'll keep you guys updated.
It was a pleasure running this game for you folks, as always.
AT THE BROKENGULF ESTATE
Ekmong is as surprised as Doozey with the details of Graxx’s tales, even if he already knew the punchline. The well-mannered tiefling shows surprise and delight with admirable composure, but he can’t fully hide his satisfaction. “House Brokengulf may not have had any involvement in your latest quest, but we are big admirers and beneficiaries of it nonetheless. We will be sure to be present at the event tomorrow to show our support for your accomplishments and continued betterment of Phlan. That said, you must be aware that the loss of a dragon is no small defeat for the Cult of the Dragon. A public display, which they will inevitable learn about, will serve to gather support for our fight but it may also push the Cult into more aggressive measures. This is both a good and a bad outcome. Many will suffer in their tighter grip, but they are also more likely to make mistakes when pushed to uncomfortable corners. That’s when we attack!”
The rest of the conversation/dinner is more pleasant. Ekmong has little more intel to share at the moment and is sincerely satisfied with the deafest of Rythnax, a Dragon he had mentioned only recently but which CRAP already took care of. The regent tiefling is proud of the group and the powerful allies he has gathered.
Nonetheless, it looks like Ekmong is looking past the transactional nature of offering rewards. “Our goals are aligned. We support each other and will continue to gather more allies. Certainly, this is more than just a job for your now. I can feel it, and you have the Brokengulf support in the fight ahead. You may consider your debt to this house paid. From now own we are allies in this fight, not contractual partners.”
Overall, this is a very pleasant evening but a somewhat early one. Soon, farewells are being said and the group is being politely escorted back to the main gate.
(OOC: As before, please feel free to RP this further, but otherwise, we should be ready to close this day with a Long Rest and continue on to the next morning’s event.)
"It was a younger one, but Rythnax still fought with no small amount of ferocity," Neya says. "His death also comes with the bonus of depriving the Cult of the Dragon of an ally."
"Does anyone have the amulet he was carrying?" Neya looks around at the group that was on the dragon hunt.
Extended Signature
"I'm glad that we have been able to pay our debt to House Brokengulf. Our mistrust could have caused a far greater rift and the alliance we now enjoy against our mutual enemies. It is important that we continue to be open with each other, especially now we likely face a wounded animal."
Pondering on the amulet that Neya mentioned, Utar adds, "It isn't on my person, Obsben, Graxx, did either of you two pick it up?"
As it became increasingly clear that the party wasn't just pulling everyone's leg about defeating a dragon -- a young one, sure, but a dragon all the same -- Doozey became somewhat despondent as sense of guilt began gnawing at him. Biscuit was quite the opposite however, seeming to understand enough of the conversation as to look almost proud of his 'packmates'. He resigns himself to merely "Boofing" a couple of times in approval, knowing or sensing his more direct means of showing approval might not be taken so well in present, noble company.
"I believe that is in your bag at the moment, Neya. Though, I've already inspected it, and it has no magical properties to speak of... But pretell what you intend to do with it?" Obsben chimed in, sounding more curious than what her otherwise more placid expression might give away. Doozey too perked up at the mention of an amulet. But apart from any other shocking revelations, he's just as content let the evening play itself out without much input on his part. Notably, or at least notably for Utar perhaps, the quiet resentment Doozey had for Ekmong ever since the assassination is not present that evening. Though he still kept any idle and happenstance conversation with the noble brief, it seemed as if he'd finally let go fo the feeling at some point while away or had gotten better at masking his feelings...
Regardless, once the party are eventually led out of the gate once more with fuller bellies and brighter of spirits, Obsben confesses her intent to stay at Mar's for the evening, citing some plan to meet Harper there for some business. Booth Doozey and Biscuit look relieved at the news, but quickly try to play it off the moment she so much as glances at the pair. "I might come around in the morning, but if I don't, know I'll still be around town for some time yet. And if you ever need me then, you know how to reach me. Isn't right, Utar?" She asks, giving the half-orc a playful smile.
With that, barring any other final goodbyes, she actually surprises Doozey with a hug and whispers something in his ears that leaves the stoutling looking a little paler than usual, before then skipping away.
(OOC: Edit to include a final line I forgot.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx celebrates with the group and welcomes the new allies of House Brokengulf. Graxx grows tired as his belly is full and is ready for the long rest.
"Ah, right..." Neya says, as she takes it out of the bag. "Rythrax was displaying this proudly as he was verbally preening himself. Soon, all of Phlan will know of the dragon's fate, but that alone doesn't indicate the Cult of the Dragon. Outside of the dragon's body, it is the most solid piece of evidence of the Cult's continued activity in the Moonsea area. Ekmong, perhaps you could use this to justify asking the other noble houses to, at the very least, keep a closer eye on the surrounding area for significant movements?"
Extended Signature
“A grand idea, Neya.” Ekmong says taking the amulet from then eldritch monk. He looked a bit worried for a moment as the group seemed to not know where they placed this amulet they had just mentioned, but that is all gone now. “This should help bring some more allies to our cause, even if not immediately. And announcing the Cult presence publicly might sow panic, so I agree to take it from the you if the next best idea was to make it part of tomorrow’s event.”
Ekmong agress with Utar and Graxx regarding the new status of the relationship between the noble house and CRAP. Whatever concerns Doozey may still have seem to not be shared among the wider group, and Ekmong gives the halfling a few reassuring looks, showing that he had noticed the ranger’s past doubts.
Once the meal is concluded and Obsben shifts the conversation to sleeping arrangements, Ekmong politely wishes everyone a good night and escorts you back to the gate. Be it either at Leadstopper’s or Mar’s, the CRAPers have a restful night.
(OOC: You may complete a Long Rest.)
In the next morning, as early as it may still be, CRAP can already hear the sounds of the gathering crowd in Podol Plaza.
(OCC: How would you like to go about the public display? Do you have any grand ideas? You know Aleyd is not the creative type, so she is likely to rely on you for the showmanship of it all. Also, who is hopping on stage and who is staying in the background or blending into the crowd?)
After careful consideration after the events the previous night, Neya realized that she already is acting as an example of one of the Silent Wood working in the open. She's just adding a target to her back. All she needs to do is to keep doing what she's been doing all along, her job. No need to complicate matters too much.
Not really one for showmanship, herself, she simply climbs the stairs and takes her place on the platform.
Extended Signature
Obsben doesn't return to the CRAP residence the following morning, citing through sending to Utar some 'business' cropping up with Harper that needed tending to. But she is sure to congratulate the party for the honors they were to receive, and promises to at least try and be available for any evening banquets that day, if any were on the docket. And even if not, a gentle reminder is also given to let her know if CRAP ever has need of her arcane expertise.
During breakfast that same morning, a confused looking Doozey enters the dining area staring at a ring in hand while scratching the back of his head with the other hand. "Neya, did... did you slip a ring in my pocket? 'cause I found this in it." He places it on the table, revealing the ring to be the same one found during the party's venture chasing down Spernik. If anyone makes clear what the ring is meant to do, Doozey considers it a moment, before shrugging and leaving it to the party to decide what they may wish to do with it.
Apart from that, Doozey makes a point of retrieving Berry back from the party. Now as far as the ceremony was to go, as far as the stoutling had been concerned, there was no need for him to be on the stage apart from solidarity with the party. So, so long as it was brought up before hand, then he not only ACTUALLY makes a point of getting cleaned up for proceedings(as well as he knew how), but summoned Berry and Gravy with the express purpose of having the duo keep an eye on the proceedings from the roofs and places he noted from watching the leadstopper's... execution. All with the goal in mind of having them watching out danger on the sly, and note any peculiarities with crowd goers to report to him later.
In the meantime, if/when it came to Doozey stepping up on the stage, he does so from the back of Biscuit. Both ranger and companion put on there best 'humble hero' veneer, putting to practice the impromptu training at being more amicable from their time spent getting Elisande settled into her new home and playing 'politics' with other members of his order during his departure. But as his own exploits were... nonexistent where it came to the dragon, anything more done by the stoutling is only done int he heat of the moment to compliment his fellow CRAPers.
@Everyone:
Unless brought up during the downtime between scenes, Obsben kept the Ring of Warmth, magnifying glass, and Arcane Grimoire,+1 found during the group's recent adventure. And would've when time permitted made a point of getting her cut of the reward/coinage from the dragon hoard. But she wouoldn't need much convincing to have the grimoire be payment, if the party makes the counter argument.
Also, friendly reminder to add either to the bag of holding or to people's sheet the Longsword of Life Stealing(which I think Neya took up?), bonecounter mace, Splint, and the bronze amulet sized for a dragon(worth 500gp). At least until the party decides to try and possibly liquidate/trade away those items.
So from the various denomination of coin and gems, the split comes to 750 gp each and 250 gold gold from Cassra's reward.)
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/157467-the-scroll-thief-dm-lerus?comment=904
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx will most certainly be standing on the stage proudly trying to be the best representative of his people.
As Neya is not one for showmanship Graxx will at some point during Aleyd's speech take the head of the dragon and raise it high for all to see.
"FOR THE DEFENSE OF PHLAN!", Graxx will shout attempting to get the crowd going.
Podol Plaza is crowded. The citizens of Phlan have learned by experience that announcements from the Black Fist calling them to the gallows mean some sort of grim spectacle, usually in the form of a public execution (RIP Rillo Leadstopper).
CRAP arrives through the backstreets, as Aleyd had reminded them. The captain is a bit surprised in seeing the switch in the halfling member of the adventuring party, but is too serious and/or polite of a person to get into that at the moment. She rushes the group onto the "stage", mentioning something about "the crowd has been waiting" and "I wasn't granted much time once I admitted today's event didn't involve an execution."
CRAP takes the back portion of the gallows as Aleyd steps forward. She commands the crowd's attention, though it is likely they listen quickly because they are relieved the event is finally about to start. The captain looks around and confirms that the guards are positioned in their vantage points to help keep the ceremony civil. She never notices the additional mastiff and raven security pets mixed in with her own soldiers.
"A victory has been achieved!" She begins, silencing the few members of the crowd who were still murmuring. "Phlan has defeated yet another of its enemies! Our history is marred with many falls, but the people of Phlan have always risen again. Today, we rise even higher." She pauses and gestures behind her to Neya, Graxx, Utar, and Doozey on Biscuit. "Through the brave efforts of the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party, Phlan has brought down its fiercest enemy yet!" She invites the group forward.
CRAP spots a few familiar faces in the crowd. Mar is there, sweating while holding Imizael on his shoulders. The dwarven Lieutenant Hurn has made his way from his post at the docks, as have Captain Hulbard and his crew/family. Aleyd's rival, Lieutenant Cron Bolver, is grimacing in the distance. Harper is surely here somewhere too (maybe even Obby?), and even Sagin has found a corner from where to watch. Ekmong and a few retainers have claimed a balcony, as have Lady Dala Silmerhelve and her advisor Olisara Lightsong. Another balcony has been claimed by Whitebeard and a few companions, including Rag and Thokk. Maybe Moneus is around too. Other familiar faces include: Aya Glenmiir, Acolyte Cassyt, Doomguide Yovir Glandon, Marten and Vera Foss, and even Cassra Brandywine. Others have surely made their way here, but it would be impossible to spot every familiar face in the sea of townsfolk. Seranolla is understandably missing, and it seems Villonah has not yet made her way back to town.
Graxx answers Aleyd's call, stepping forward and revealing Rythnax's severed head with a strong pull from within the group's magical bag. His trophy-raising and victory cry are followed by an unanimous gasp of disbelief, which is, in turn, followed by a roaring cheer! The crowd goes wild. Many words mix in the air: "A dragon! They killed a dragon?!", "I didn't think that was possible?", "Aren't dragons immortal?", "Who are they?", "She said Chaotic Relief", "Are they really... CRAP?", "Look at his weapons!", "They are people of Torm!", "Have I seen that girl before?", "Who's a good boi?", "Mommy, Mommy, I want be a CRAP when I grow up!", "Death to all dragons!". "VIVA Chaotic Relief!", "For the defense of Phlan!", "CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!"
The celebration is only intensified when Aleyd adds her voice to the chants: "Let them know that Phlan will stand strong! We will defeat our enemies! We will prevail!" You know that she knows that they are listening.
Obby never makes an obvious appearance. But if anyone ever makes a concentrated effort to find Harper, assuming said man is even among the crowd, then they all too likely spot a female gnome with hot pink hair with a skull cap covering hot pink hair at his side and wearing a more rough 'n tumble get up. Though none too far from her is a familiar looking tressym languidly observing the proceedings.
Meanwhile on stage, Doozey visibly began to struggle to keep a straight face, as he heard and understood perhaps far more than most of the general chatter, and couldn't help but mutter, "Guess it's too late to change our names now." Yet for all of his discomfort, an unbothered Biscuit bays and boofs in agreement following aleyd's last words.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The severed head of a dragon is not something your average townsfolk sees everyday. This magnificent trophy is something to be celebrated, and the citizens of Phlan are feeling quite patriotic following the public announcement. Nothing else needs to be said, that much is plain to see.
Aleyd looks back at the party and smiles. "Job done," she says in a volume only you four can hear. "There is plenty more to be done but, for now, we have a few fully-repented tribesmen to liberate." She approached Graxx and puts a hand on his shoulder: "In the coming days, when you are ready, come to me again and I will release your folk to your care." Before the paladin of Tempus can respond, she adds: "It comes at a cost, though. They cannot stay in town and they will only be released under the condition that they will be escorted back home by a trustworthy warrior who respects the values of Phlan." She looks Graxx in the eye and nods, trusting the man understands her meaning.
The city-wide celebrations continued for the entirety of the day and the night that follows. As Aleyd said, there are many things that still need done in this long fight against the Cult of the Dragon, and CRAP is now the spearhead of the Phlan counter-assault, and a publicly-seen one at that. Today, however, the entire city celebrates. As if giving permission for CRAP to join the celebrations, Aleyd makes one last public display in rewarding you with a hefty bag of coin (2,000gp). The crowd cheers loudly once again. Some of them might now be convinced that a life of dragon-hunting is a worthy and lucrative career.
(OOC#1: As the "camera zooms out" to show just how widely the celebrations have already spread through the city, we reach the end of Episode 11. Go ahead and add 4,200 XP to each of your character's sheets. Details can be found in the OOC Chat. Thanks everyone for another great episode.)
(OOC#2: Feel free to wrap up any last bit of RP you'd like. I'll close out this thread by this time tomorrow after one or two last bookkeeping posts. We can deal with downtime activities out-of-character.)
BOOKKEEPING
This is our usual end-of-episode bookkeeping post. It's been a little while but it should look familiar. In this post, we'll note all the XP gained during the episode so that we all have a handy one-stop-shop in this thread to verify your XP gains. It also helps all of us ensure that we are on the same page. More details on the exact XP gained can be found in the OOC chat, and are summarized in the box below.
Just to confirm, you should each have somewhere between 89,800 and 90,340 XP as of the end of this episode.
CONCLUSION
Here are some last reminders before I close out this thread:
With that, I'm closing the curtains on this episode. As mentioned OOC, I am taking some time off and then have some prep to do, but we should be back for the next episode soon enough. I'll keep you guys updated.
It was a pleasure running this game for you folks, as always.
(THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED)