Dabbert nods and motions to Mudge for a drink as he digs in his belt for coin.
"Run?" He says with a smirk, like he can't believe what he just heard. "I uh...ain't running nowhere. We came here to help these people from problems over that accursed green stone and I'm not leaving a job half finished. Especially when they'll come back here and, if they don't find us, probably cause more trouble for the town."
He shows Mudge a handful of coins and starts asking her questions.
"It's uh...not much, but what do you have that's really potent. Strongest stuff you've got that we can make some cocktails from. Got any friends that uh...may want some payback? Maybe throw some cocktails for us? Shoot some arrows? I know at least one wagon and some horses that need burned out."
He takes his drink and leans against the bar.
"You lot don't uh...have to stay with me, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here waiting when they come back."
He winks at Syl and raises his mug as the old sea dog starts singing.
Nefire slams down her mug at the talk of leaving and nods to Syl and Dab, "We ain't leaving." She watches Dabbert with his questions and isn't exactly sure what he's gettin on about so she turns to Syl raising her mug in a salute to his song and smiles.
She gets down from her stool and walks over to Raevyn, "I am a bit worried about Hrolf.. should we check on him?"
Mudge is busy behind the bar preparing you all drinks and listening to your questions and commentary. Returning she shoves the drinks down roughly enough to spill a goodly portion of them and then looks you all over. "What's all this now? You have a beef with those other you keep it to yourselves. Don't be bringing it to town and 'specially don't be bringing it to the Frosty Beard!" She scolds. "They left town and good riddance to them. Sure they were rough while here. Rougher than they needed be. But the bars in one piece and so are those that were here. Maybe a bit worse for wear, some of them, but an Orc who can't handle a scrap ain't much of an Orc, are they?" The last bit may have been aimed at Krumar... Or maybe he just thinks it may have been.
"What happened today wasn't much different than what happens any time the King's Army comes through. Either the soldiers or the locals, one of thems going to push things too far and a scrap'll happen sure as a sow shits. Only one's I'm worried about is Hrolf and once that lot left town a few of the regulars went out to his home... m'hoping they'll be back soon to let me know he's ok..." Mudge continues, first wiping up the spilled drinks then busying herself throwing together some dubious bar snacks for you to munch on. It's kind of a trail mix type concoction without any of the good bits.
"And don't you worry about Rourke," Mudge adds to Jaylan. "He's just fine. Just a bit grumpy he couldn't stop things. He's getting on... He can only do so much. Still it's usually enough for a sleepy place like this usually is, eh?" Anyone with a decent enough perception roll can hear what sounds like an annoyed snort of some kind come from up in the rafters.
Conveniently at right about this time a trio of Orcs come through the door and Mudge looks up worriedly. "Well? How is he?" she calls out to them even as she pulls them all a thick meade drink.
"Not looking good, but when has he ever?" One calls back while he side-eyes the group. Mudge waves away his concern and urges him to continue.
The story, cut to the bare bones, was that the strangers assaulted Hrolf in his home demanding the greenstone. Hrolf tried to sell them the same story he told the others (you) but they either didn't buy it or just didn't care. They insisted he had some of it himself and they wanted it. Hrolf tried to hold out but there was six of them... He eventually have up his stash but they tore the rest of his house apart anyway just to be sure. They took every rock, stone, pebble and bit of dust that he had of it, gave him a few extra bruises for good measure, then left him unconscious on the floor as they took their leave.
"What is this green stone anyway?" One of the Orcs asks as the story wraps up. It is unclear if they are asking Mudge or the party though they directed it to Mudge. "When the mine was running and worthwhile there'd be the odd one or two found but it was scrap... tossed aside. Why it so plentiful now? So important?"
Hrolf live but a 20 minute walk away but they stayed with him a bit, did a bit of cleaning of his house, tended to his wounds as they could. He was sleeping when they left and they'll check on him again later tonight and all...
If you feel the need to see him for yourselves they will be wary but Mudge will assure them you're ok and can be taken there. ((Up to you all...))
The other party has been riding away for about 2 hours now? You have your own horses stabled nearby you could go after them if you so desire?
It's now about late afternoon, you could start making your way back to Vaire City with your bounty of Greenstone or you could inquire about accommodations here in Eisloch.
Krumar ignores Mudge's jab..."Yes being a bartender sure does does come with its scraps of drunken fools but alas no green abominations......I digress though fellow travelers! These that roughed up Holf could be tasked with our job.....If they return before us with the stones we could be out of pay, jobs, cushy places to sleep."He looks at all of them and sees a gloos over look in their eyes as his words are not sinking through their thick skulls he thinks to himself....He sighs "We go, return first, food, warmth, coins given....Understand?"
"I keep saying... Let's confront them but not here in the village... when things get messy no villagers or property gets hurt... if things go south... they do not have anymore targets around. Do not misunderstand my concern for these people with cowardice I do not run from a fight... " Jaylan says
Nefire shrugs. With Mudge basically taking the fight out from under them, she really doesn't care one way or the other. "I'm good with heading back. As to searching for this other band to teach them a lesson? Meh. We'll see them again and then we'll have it out." she says this last part with a smile. "And hopefully they won't have a clue its comin."
Krumar nods in agreement "Yes! See the lit....ehhhhh the big of brained one gets it. Let's not dawdle, let's grab food for the road, get the horses, and get back to the king."
Sitting at the dark end of the bar, legs crossed, Raevyn pets Pauwau. She listens quietly, assessing, even glancing up at the rafters when she hears a snort. Her brows furrow, giving away her concern for Hrolf. Though with Mudge’s insistence, the Doctor wouldn’t press checking in on him. However, she would make note at how aggressively the other group sought out the stone to put him in the state he was in in the first place. She should have been studying the Grunstein the moment she could have got her hands on it. Rae huffs through her nose at herself for her lack of discipline with her studies.
“I’d like to review the stones prior to turning them in. Whether here or there, it matters not to me.” Raevyn adds her two cents while scratching Pauwau behind the ear. “However if they’re willing to brawl for every speck of dust, I am cautioned to wonder if they would the same to those who know it’s true purpose.” Her eyes look over the orcs who question its worth as she thinks about what the other group did to Hrolf. If the their mere presence or discovered Grunstein and it’s knowledge were going to bring more strife to the community, and they weren’t welcome anymore, she’d agree to leave. Otherwise, she was satisfied staying and getting to work. Should the others arrive, they can catch her outside.
Syl sits up at the bar. He looks carefully at Krumar. The he turns his head quickly toward Jaylan, overshoots, and slowly corrects to look at the Warlock.
He is quiet for a moment.
...
"So... we are going to fight somebody? Or, no?"
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
"Not uh...right now, I'm afraid." Dabbert says, patting the old saltdog's shoulder. "Mudge has requested our uh...restraint. And it seems that maybe the others aren't coming back here."
The soldier chews his lip after saying this while he thinks about everything that's just been said, then pays for his drink, as well as some dinner for the road and services rendered with stabeling the horses and all that.
"That's that then." He says, rolling his shoulders as he heads toward the door. "Let's uh...go. We'll be hard pressed to beat them back at this point. Shouldn't dawdle too long."
They’re Orcs and live in The Duldreg.Fights, scraps, violence and such is not unknown to them and when strangers come it is all but expected.As such they’re not all that put out by the actions of the other group of strangers and they certainly do not expect other strangers to set things right.It’s just their way of life.Think of it like one gang invading another’s territory - They certainly don’t expect a third gang to fix things for them.They never expect the government types to fix it for them… The crown, in their estimation, is the worst gang of all.They’ll settle matters in their own due time, if opportunity presents.
You eat and drink and get a bit of a rest at the bar.Since Mudge accepts you lot the few others in the bar do as well.They have a distrust of you as being outsiders but word has spread that you actually did save some from… Something in the mines… So you’re ok.For strangers.
The Orcs don’t know anything about the greenstone.To them it is a rock that had no value.When the mine was active it certainly was not for the greenstone… And that rock was not prevalent, just an annoyance when found.From what you say it sounds a lot more prevalent down there now.They still see no value in it though.
Hrolf is beat up but will live.His house was trashed but it stands.The King’s men have done worse for no reason in times prior so there is no more grudge about this abuse than any other.(Think mindset of people who live in the ghetto to the cops.)Hrolf did have a stash of the greenstone that he did finally surrender to the other group.Hrolf hoped he could turn the Grunsteinfor a profit somehow but had no idea how so far.
Your business in Eisloch complete (And if you have more questions you wanted answered then just shoot them at me) you gather your horses and you depart, headed back to Vaire City.It is about six days travel from here to there, a little less if you travel at a fast pace, a little longer if at a comfortable one.You have no reason (that I gave you) to think the other party is on the same mission from the same people as yourselves… But your own suspicions and theories are your own.Just let me know the speed of travel… mwuahhahahaha
But you get back to Vaire City safe and sound.There may have been some trouble on the way back but nothing life threatening.Back in Vaire City you spend some time training and doing whatever else you wish to do and you level up to level 3!Consider yourselves having at least a couple of weeks or so about the city to do whatever you wish to do.If you have any specific tasks or such you want to do in that time let me know via PM or in your Discord channel.Over the next day or two I have things I will advise some of you about as well.Depending on how this all goes there may be a bit more “behind the scenes” action for a bit than whole team posting action… But we’ll see.
On the long walk ride back to Vaire, those walking riding too closely to Sylrieth might occasionally hear him mumbling to himself.
..."Aye, but what do I get out of it?"
"...Right, right... the thing is, what was this about these pledged boons again?"
Each time, he seems to waken from a trance, looking around dazed and confused, and slightly miffed. Then he shakes it off with a sneer and quickens his horse's pace to keep up with the others.
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
On the long walk back to Vaire, those walking too closely to Sylrieth might occasionally hear him mumbling to himself.
Ride... The long ride. You have horses.
Dabbert's is named Seargent Nefire's is named Short Stuff Jaylan's is called Genie Krumar's is named Quip Raevyn's is called Feather Syl's is named Bubbles...
Dabbert listens to the old seadog, but keeps his thoughts to himself. The beliefs of others weren't in his prevue as a soldier. At least not personal beliefs and religious rights with deities that weren't directly harmful to himself, his team, or the Realm. He kept quiet and rode on, only speaking to Syl once he'd had time to discuss his thoughts with himself. Once it has tapered off, he rides up next to Syl and offers a soft smile.
"Syl, if uh...you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here? Yeah?"
He leaves it at that. He simply opens the door and leaves it open, making sure his friend knows he's there.
Once they return to the kingdom and their debrief has taken place, Dabbert bids the team adieu for a moment, taking his time to go train near the barracks. He calls it 'honing his skills'. There are many hours of hard work ahead of him with his weapons and armor as he performs repairs, sharpens blades, and practices techniques...
Nefire as well spends some time getting to know the capital, other than when they all first met here and had the large banquet, she'd never stepped foot in the city and enjoyed being able to take time learning about it and exploring.
When the group finally meets up again at a local tavern, she is honestly happy to see everyone. She orders a round of ale for the group as they all settle in and start discussing what has been going on and what they all wanted to do next. She pulls out the fancy deck of cards and starts playing with it a little, rotating the back card to the front and again and again as she sits in thought.
Finally, she speaks up, "So, Maestro came to me with a little task if you will. I believe it is something the King wants me to do, just a little errand up North... in Baringraeg I believe? Ha, from orcs to dwarves... what's next, elves?" she gives a little chuckle like that was supposed to be a joke. "Anyways, was just seeing if anyone wanted to make the trek up with me? If not, that's fine, just thought I'd offer."
She then takes a firm hold of the deck of cards and pulls one from the middle. She turns it over and holds it so others can see if they want. Upon it is The Magician. The Magician is represented as a powerful wizard or sorcerer, standing atop a stone pedestal within a grand hall of a mage's tower. Clad in robes adorned with arcane symbols and holding a staff crackling with magical energy, The Magician exudes mastery over the elements. Surrounding The Magician are various magical tools and artifacts, each symbolizing different aspects of arcane knowledge and power. A spellbook lies open, pages fluttering with unseen winds as spells weave themselves into existence. A cauldron bubbles with mysterious potions, emitting wisps of colorful smoke that twist and dance around the room. Crystals and gemstones glimmer with inner light, resonating with the raw magic that permeates the air. Behind The Magician, a tapestry hangs depicting the cycles of the moon and the sun, symbolizing the balance between light and dark magic. In the background, shelves are lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, containing forbidden knowledge and secrets of the arcane arts.
Nefire moves the card slightly back and forth so it catches the light and lets out a low whistle.
It is about 10 or so days since you have returned to Vaire City when you all gather at The Inn of Six Candles in the Market District of the city. You have been debriefed, more of less, as a team and as individuals about what happened and what you thought of the events. The Grunstein, or Greenstone, was collected and brought to the King's wizards for examination and study. (If Rae wished to withhold some it would have been easy enough, but she is invited to work with the King's men in the study if she wishes.) You have all had enough time to reflect on what you learned and train in new techniques and practices. More would do you good but you feel ready to take on the world... If need be.
The Inn of Six Candles is fancier than probably any of you are really comfortable with, perhaps excepting Jaylan who ran in elite circles back home. The place is popular with nobles, wealthy merchants and the most elite of adventurers and the Crown is happily picking up your bill wanting their new team to be seen amongst such elites. Your table has a picturesque view of the canals and the Grand Plaza and soft magical lighting illuminates the hardwood tables and comfortable chairs of the establishment. Prices are steep but your gold is no good here for this weekly meal to gather and connect. You have been advised the crown intends to provide the team with permanent accommodations together but alas, it does take some time to make that happen.
You are all seated at a fine table in the dining room, each led to the table by the Maitre'd Manuel when you arrived and beautiful waitresses and handsome waiters, clad in spotless tabards embroidered with six candles, bustle to and fro catering to guests every need. The room is dimly lit via magical means creating a candlelight-like effect to the dining room and soft music can be heard though it's source is not visible. You all make small talk and chit chat until everyone arrives and are free to drink and eat your fill. When Nefire speaks of the Maestro approaching her with a "little task" most of you are immediately intrigued due to a similar approach by the King's main assistant. Nobody speaks up about the coincidence, if that it be, at least not at first... Instead Nefire plays with her cards and draws forth The Magician, revealing it to all at the table and playing in back and forth to watch how the light plays upon the delicate artistry of the card.
This moment is eventually disturbed not by any at the table but by a slight commotion in the dining room. It would be a nothing occurrence at most inns and taverns you generally frequent but The Inn of Six Candles is more rarified air and a couple of mimes moving about and passing out leaflets is just not the kind of thing that happens here. Charles, the concierge and Manuel are both doing their best to usher the mimes out with a minimal of scene but the mimes are determined and well trained at making reserved, officious types the butt of jokes while getting away with their shenanigans... Any who have spent a good deal of time on the streets of Vaire City will likely assume the mimes are members of The Fool's Entourage, a troupe of traveling performers who recently arrived and have been putting on random street shows for coins and talking of finding a suitable place to really put on a show. Once most, if not all, tables and bar patrons are offered a pamphlet the mimes allow themselves to be ushered out... After stealing a drink or two.
((OOC: This meal happens after any of you who have been offered little tasks to do have been so offered... But before you do them. You are free to talk or not as you wish.))
Krumar watches the mimes in disgust "Mimes, the scourge of entertainment....talentless hacks who use their mimicry to steal ....look how that one mimcs the patrons while taking their things....a blight on my industry" Krumar turns his attention to the card that was just dealt "Why of all the downright rotten things to do you miniture sized brute. First you steal my things from me and then play a card right in front of me to pour salt in the wound. It burns terribly. You are probably think these cards are just a shiny toy to mock me with. Your tiny brain could not possibly understand what it does...." Krumar takes a swig of whatever is in the mug in front of him. He grabs a hold of his fancy scarf and waves it around cursing in orcish at Nefire for stealing his cards. A strange, awful, methane odor begins to emanate from Nefire.
Syl relaxes in a chair, uncharacteristically quiet and reserved as he looks out the window at the canals below. The fancy ales and wines of this place don't appear to sit well with his belly, as he is only nursing his drink.
At Krumar's outburst, Sylrieth will look over and take in the mimes. Then he turns his eyes to Dabbert, expecting some wickedly cruel retort to cut the over-proud bard back down to size.
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 stealing mimes barely grab Nefire's attention, as long as they didn't steal from anyone at her table. Busy admiring the card she had pulled, she enjoys the ambiance of the place and waits to hear if anyone wants to join her.
Then Krumar starts in.
"Miniature sized brute? Tiny brain??Who do you think you are??" The litte halfling starts growing...her breathing gets a bit raspy as it normally does when she goes into a rage as her friends have become familiar with, but this is new.. She becomes the size of Raevyn sitting next to her, but she doesn't stop. She keeps growing and the chair beneath her cracks and then breaks. Now standing the previously small halfling starts filling the room to a large sized humanoid. If the mimes are still there, she turns to them and snarls as well, but then returns to the orc.
Taking a few pounding, menacing steps towards him, she growls, "A shiny toy to mock you? I brought them out to share you puny oaf!! That's why I wanted you all to see, not hide the beauty of them away like you were doing." Having said her peace, she starts looking around in shock at how she was now towering over the rest and her head was hitting the ceiling. Finding Raevyn she asks, "What... what happened?"
Dabbert nods and motions to Mudge for a drink as he digs in his belt for coin.
"Run?" He says with a smirk, like he can't believe what he just heard. "I uh...ain't running nowhere. We came here to help these people from problems over that accursed green stone and I'm not leaving a job half finished. Especially when they'll come back here and, if they don't find us, probably cause more trouble for the town."
He shows Mudge a handful of coins and starts asking her questions.
"It's uh...not much, but what do you have that's really potent. Strongest stuff you've got that we can make some cocktails from. Got any friends that uh...may want some payback? Maybe throw some cocktails for us? Shoot some arrows? I know at least one wagon and some horses that need burned out."
He takes his drink and leans against the bar.
"You lot don't uh...have to stay with me, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here waiting when they come back."
He winks at Syl and raises his mug as the old sea dog starts singing.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Nefire slams down her mug at the talk of leaving and nods to Syl and Dab, "We ain't leaving." She watches Dabbert with his questions and isn't exactly sure what he's gettin on about so she turns to Syl raising her mug in a salute to his song and smiles.
She gets down from her stool and walks over to Raevyn, "I am a bit worried about Hrolf.. should we check on him?"
Mudge is busy behind the bar preparing you all drinks and listening to your questions and commentary. Returning she shoves the drinks down roughly enough to spill a goodly portion of them and then looks you all over. "What's all this now? You have a beef with those other you keep it to yourselves. Don't be bringing it to town and 'specially don't be bringing it to the Frosty Beard!" She scolds. "They left town and good riddance to them. Sure they were rough while here. Rougher than they needed be. But the bars in one piece and so are those that were here. Maybe a bit worse for wear, some of them, but an Orc who can't handle a scrap ain't much of an Orc, are they?" The last bit may have been aimed at Krumar... Or maybe he just thinks it may have been.
"What happened today wasn't much different than what happens any time the King's Army comes through. Either the soldiers or the locals, one of thems going to push things too far and a scrap'll happen sure as a sow shits. Only one's I'm worried about is Hrolf and once that lot left town a few of the regulars went out to his home... m'hoping they'll be back soon to let me know he's ok..." Mudge continues, first wiping up the spilled drinks then busying herself throwing together some dubious bar snacks for you to munch on. It's kind of a trail mix type concoction without any of the good bits.
"And don't you worry about Rourke," Mudge adds to Jaylan. "He's just fine. Just a bit grumpy he couldn't stop things. He's getting on... He can only do so much. Still it's usually enough for a sleepy place like this usually is, eh?" Anyone with a decent enough perception roll can hear what sounds like an annoyed snort of some kind come from up in the rafters.
Conveniently at right about this time a trio of Orcs come through the door and Mudge looks up worriedly. "Well? How is he?" she calls out to them even as she pulls them all a thick meade drink.
"Not looking good, but when has he ever?" One calls back while he side-eyes the group. Mudge waves away his concern and urges him to continue.
The story, cut to the bare bones, was that the strangers assaulted Hrolf in his home demanding the greenstone. Hrolf tried to sell them the same story he told the others (you) but they either didn't buy it or just didn't care. They insisted he had some of it himself and they wanted it. Hrolf tried to hold out but there was six of them... He eventually have up his stash but they tore the rest of his house apart anyway just to be sure. They took every rock, stone, pebble and bit of dust that he had of it, gave him a few extra bruises for good measure, then left him unconscious on the floor as they took their leave.
"What is this green stone anyway?" One of the Orcs asks as the story wraps up. It is unclear if they are asking Mudge or the party though they directed it to Mudge. "When the mine was running and worthwhile there'd be the odd one or two found but it was scrap... tossed aside. Why it so plentiful now? So important?"
Hrolf live but a 20 minute walk away but they stayed with him a bit, did a bit of cleaning of his house, tended to his wounds as they could. He was sleeping when they left and they'll check on him again later tonight and all...
Hearing Mudge's protestations, Dabbert shrugs.
"Very uh...well then." He says, dropping the subject. He at least pays for his drink. "If it's not problem to you, it's not problem to me."
He turns with his drink toward the rest of the party.
"Folks, we staying here, or going on then?" He says.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Krumar ignores Mudge's jab..."Yes being a bartender sure does does come with its scraps of drunken fools but alas no green abominations......I digress though fellow travelers! These that roughed up Holf could be tasked with our job.....If they return before us with the stones we could be out of pay, jobs, cushy places to sleep." He looks at all of them and sees a gloos over look in their eyes as his words are not sinking through their thick skulls he thinks to himself....He sighs "We go, return first, food, warmth, coins given....Understand?"
"I keep saying... Let's confront them but not here in the village... when things get messy no villagers or property gets hurt... if things go south... they do not have anymore targets around. Do not misunderstand my concern for these people with cowardice I do not run from a fight... " Jaylan says
PbP Character: A few ;)
Nefire shrugs. With Mudge basically taking the fight out from under them, she really doesn't care one way or the other. "I'm good with heading back. As to searching for this other band to teach them a lesson? Meh. We'll see them again and then we'll have it out." she says this last part with a smile. "And hopefully they won't have a clue its comin."
Krumar nods in agreement "Yes! See the lit....ehhhhh the big of brained one gets it. Let's not dawdle, let's grab food for the road, get the horses, and get back to the king."
Sitting at the dark end of the bar, legs crossed, Raevyn pets Pauwau. She listens quietly, assessing, even glancing up at the rafters when she hears a snort. Her brows furrow, giving away her concern for Hrolf. Though with Mudge’s insistence, the Doctor wouldn’t press checking in on him. However, she would make note at how aggressively the other group sought out the stone to put him in the state he was in in the first place. She should have been studying the Grunstein the moment she could have got her hands on it. Rae huffs through her nose at herself for her lack of discipline with her studies.
“I’d like to review the stones prior to turning them in. Whether here or there, it matters not to me.” Raevyn adds her two cents while scratching Pauwau behind the ear. “However if they’re willing to brawl for every speck of dust, I am cautioned to wonder if they would the same to those who know it’s true purpose.” Her eyes look over the orcs who question its worth as she thinks about what the other group did to Hrolf. If the their mere presence or discovered Grunstein and it’s knowledge were going to bring more strife to the community, and they weren’t welcome anymore, she’d agree to leave. Otherwise, she was satisfied staying and getting to work. Should the others arrive, they can catch her outside.
just an unstable unicorn.
Syl sits up at the bar. He looks carefully at Krumar. The he turns his head quickly toward Jaylan, overshoots, and slowly corrects to look at the Warlock.
He is quiet for a moment.
...
"So... we are going to fight somebody? Or, no?"
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
"Not uh...right now, I'm afraid." Dabbert says, patting the old saltdog's shoulder. "Mudge has requested our uh...restraint. And it seems that maybe the others aren't coming back here."
The soldier chews his lip after saying this while he thinks about everything that's just been said, then pays for his drink, as well as some dinner for the road and services rendered with stabeling the horses and all that.
"That's that then." He says, rolling his shoulders as he heads toward the door. "Let's uh...go. We'll be hard pressed to beat them back at this point. Shouldn't dawdle too long."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
They’re Orcs and live in The Duldreg. Fights, scraps, violence and such is not unknown to them and when strangers come it is all but expected. As such they’re not all that put out by the actions of the other group of strangers and they certainly do not expect other strangers to set things right. It’s just their way of life. Think of it like one gang invading another’s territory - They certainly don’t expect a third gang to fix things for them. They never expect the government types to fix it for them… The crown, in their estimation, is the worst gang of all. They’ll settle matters in their own due time, if opportunity presents.
You eat and drink and get a bit of a rest at the bar. Since Mudge accepts you lot the few others in the bar do as well. They have a distrust of you as being outsiders but word has spread that you actually did save some from… Something in the mines… So you’re ok. For strangers.
The Orcs don’t know anything about the greenstone. To them it is a rock that had no value. When the mine was active it certainly was not for the greenstone… And that rock was not prevalent, just an annoyance when found. From what you say it sounds a lot more prevalent down there now. They still see no value in it though.
Hrolf is beat up but will live. His house was trashed but it stands. The King’s men have done worse for no reason in times prior so there is no more grudge about this abuse than any other. (Think mindset of people who live in the ghetto to the cops.) Hrolf did have a stash of the greenstone that he did finally surrender to the other group. Hrolf hoped he could turn the Grunstein for a profit somehow but had no idea how so far.
Your business in Eisloch complete (And if you have more questions you wanted answered then just shoot them at me) you gather your horses and you depart, headed back to Vaire City. It is about six days travel from here to there, a little less if you travel at a fast pace, a little longer if at a comfortable one. You have no reason (that I gave you) to think the other party is on the same mission from the same people as yourselves… But your own suspicions and theories are your own. Just let me know the speed of travel… mwuahhahahaha
But you get back to Vaire City safe and sound. There may have been some trouble on the way back but nothing life threatening. Back in Vaire City you spend some time training and doing whatever else you wish to do and you level up to level 3! Consider yourselves having at least a couple of weeks or so about the city to do whatever you wish to do. If you have any specific tasks or such you want to do in that time let me know via PM or in your Discord channel. Over the next day or two I have things I will advise some of you about as well. Depending on how this all goes there may be a bit more “behind the scenes” action for a bit than whole team posting action… But we’ll see.
On the long
walkride back to Vaire, thosewalkingriding too closely to Sylrieth might occasionally hear him mumbling to himself...."Aye, but what do I get out of it?"
"...Right, right... the thing is, what was this about these pledged boons again?"
Each time, he seems to waken from a trance, looking around dazed and confused, and slightly miffed. Then he shakes it off with a sneer and quickens his horse's pace to keep up with the others.
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
Ride... The long ride. You have horses.
Dabbert's is named Seargent
Nefire's is named Short Stuff
Jaylan's is called Genie
Krumar's is named Quip
Raevyn's is called Feather
Syl's is named Bubbles...
Dabbert listens to the old seadog, but keeps his thoughts to himself. The beliefs of others weren't in his prevue as a soldier. At least not personal beliefs and religious rights with deities that weren't directly harmful to himself, his team, or the Realm. He kept quiet and rode on, only speaking to Syl once he'd had time to discuss his thoughts with himself. Once it has tapered off, he rides up next to Syl and offers a soft smile.
"Syl, if uh...you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here? Yeah?"
He leaves it at that. He simply opens the door and leaves it open, making sure his friend knows he's there.
Once they return to the kingdom and their debrief has taken place, Dabbert bids the team adieu for a moment, taking his time to go train near the barracks. He calls it 'honing his skills'. There are many hours of hard work ahead of him with his weapons and armor as he performs repairs, sharpens blades, and practices techniques...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Nefire as well spends some time getting to know the capital, other than when they all first met here and had the large banquet, she'd never stepped foot in the city and enjoyed being able to take time learning about it and exploring.
When the group finally meets up again at a local tavern, she is honestly happy to see everyone. She orders a round of ale for the group as they all settle in and start discussing what has been going on and what they all wanted to do next. She pulls out the fancy deck of cards and starts playing with it a little, rotating the back card to the front and again and again as she sits in thought.
Finally, she speaks up, "So, Maestro came to me with a little task if you will. I believe it is something the King wants me to do, just a little errand up North... in Baringraeg I believe? Ha, from orcs to dwarves... what's next, elves?" she gives a little chuckle like that was supposed to be a joke. "Anyways, was just seeing if anyone wanted to make the trek up with me? If not, that's fine, just thought I'd offer."
She then takes a firm hold of the deck of cards and pulls one from the middle. She turns it over and holds it so others can see if they want. Upon it is The Magician. The Magician is represented as a powerful wizard or sorcerer, standing atop a stone pedestal within a grand hall of a mage's tower. Clad in robes adorned with arcane symbols and holding a staff crackling with magical energy, The Magician exudes mastery over the elements. Surrounding The Magician are various magical tools and artifacts, each symbolizing different aspects of arcane knowledge and power. A spellbook lies open, pages fluttering with unseen winds as spells weave themselves into existence. A cauldron bubbles with mysterious potions, emitting wisps of colorful smoke that twist and dance around the room. Crystals and gemstones glimmer with inner light, resonating with the raw magic that permeates the air. Behind The Magician, a tapestry hangs depicting the cycles of the moon and the sun, symbolizing the balance between light and dark magic. In the background, shelves are lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, containing forbidden knowledge and secrets of the arcane arts.
Nefire moves the card slightly back and forth so it catches the light and lets out a low whistle.
It is about 10 or so days since you have returned to Vaire City when you all gather at The Inn of Six Candles in the Market District of the city. You have been debriefed, more of less, as a team and as individuals about what happened and what you thought of the events. The Grunstein, or Greenstone, was collected and brought to the King's wizards for examination and study. (If Rae wished to withhold some it would have been easy enough, but she is invited to work with the King's men in the study if she wishes.) You have all had enough time to reflect on what you learned and train in new techniques and practices. More would do you good but you feel ready to take on the world... If need be.
The Inn of Six Candles is fancier than probably any of you are really comfortable with, perhaps excepting Jaylan who ran in elite circles back home. The place is popular with nobles, wealthy merchants and the most elite of adventurers and the Crown is happily picking up your bill wanting their new team to be seen amongst such elites. Your table has a picturesque view of the canals and the Grand Plaza and soft magical lighting illuminates the hardwood tables and comfortable chairs of the establishment. Prices are steep but your gold is no good here for this weekly meal to gather and connect. You have been advised the crown intends to provide the team with permanent accommodations together but alas, it does take some time to make that happen.
You are all seated at a fine table in the dining room, each led to the table by the Maitre'd Manuel when you arrived and beautiful waitresses and handsome waiters, clad in spotless tabards embroidered with six candles, bustle to and fro catering to guests every need. The room is dimly lit via magical means creating a candlelight-like effect to the dining room and soft music can be heard though it's source is not visible. You all make small talk and chit chat until everyone arrives and are free to drink and eat your fill. When Nefire speaks of the Maestro approaching her with a "little task" most of you are immediately intrigued due to a similar approach by the King's main assistant. Nobody speaks up about the coincidence, if that it be, at least not at first... Instead Nefire plays with her cards and draws forth The Magician, revealing it to all at the table and playing in back and forth to watch how the light plays upon the delicate artistry of the card.
This moment is eventually disturbed not by any at the table but by a slight commotion in the dining room. It would be a nothing occurrence at most inns and taverns you generally frequent but The Inn of Six Candles is more rarified air and a couple of mimes moving about and passing out leaflets is just not the kind of thing that happens here. Charles, the concierge and Manuel are both doing their best to usher the mimes out with a minimal of scene but the mimes are determined and well trained at making reserved, officious types the butt of jokes while getting away with their shenanigans... Any who have spent a good deal of time on the streets of Vaire City will likely assume the mimes are members of The Fool's Entourage, a troupe of traveling performers who recently arrived and have been putting on random street shows for coins and talking of finding a suitable place to really put on a show. Once most, if not all, tables and bar patrons are offered a pamphlet the mimes allow themselves to be ushered out... After stealing a drink or two.
((OOC: This meal happens after any of you who have been offered little tasks to do have been so offered... But before you do them. You are free to talk or not as you wish.))
Krumar watches the mimes in disgust "Mimes, the scourge of entertainment....talentless hacks who use their mimicry to steal ....look how that one mimcs the patrons while taking their things....a blight on my industry" Krumar turns his attention to the card that was just dealt "Why of all the downright rotten things to do you miniture sized brute. First you steal my things from me and then play a card right in front of me to pour salt in the wound. It burns terribly. You are probably think these cards are just a shiny toy to mock me with. Your tiny brain could not possibly understand what it does...." Krumar takes a swig of whatever is in the mug in front of him. He grabs a hold of his fancy scarf and waves it around cursing in orcish at Nefire for stealing his cards. A strange, awful, methane odor begins to emanate from Nefire.
Syl relaxes in a chair, uncharacteristically quiet and reserved as he looks out the window at the canals below. The fancy ales and wines of this place don't appear to sit well with his belly, as he is only nursing his drink.
At Krumar's outburst, Sylrieth will look over and take in the mimes. Then he turns his eyes to Dabbert, expecting some wickedly cruel retort to cut the over-proud bard back down to size.
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 stealing mimes barely grab Nefire's attention, as long as they didn't steal from anyone at her table. Busy admiring the card she had pulled, she enjoys the ambiance of the place and waits to hear if anyone wants to join her.
Then Krumar starts in.
"Miniature sized brute? Tiny brain?? Who do you think you are??" The litte halfling starts growing...her breathing gets a bit raspy as it normally does when she goes into a rage as her friends have become familiar with, but this is new.. She becomes the size of Raevyn sitting next to her, but she doesn't stop. She keeps growing and the chair beneath her cracks and then breaks. Now standing the previously small halfling starts filling the room to a large sized humanoid. If the mimes are still there, she turns to them and snarls as well, but then returns to the orc.
Taking a few pounding, menacing steps towards him, she growls, "A shiny toy to mock you? I brought them out to share you puny oaf!! That's why I wanted you all to see, not hide the beauty of them away like you were doing." Having said her peace, she starts looking around in shock at how she was now towering over the rest and her head was hitting the ceiling. Finding Raevyn she asks, "What... what happened?"