As someone who had never eaten shellfish before, The Black Rose struggled to open the first few before finally finding a proper but still clumsy way to do it.
Meanwhile he was caught a little off guard by her hesitation, and although his lifeless eyes were not fixed on her, his other senses were busy studying Myrtea carefully as she cooked, trying to read her.
Artifex slips the knife into the shellfish with ease, more because of her natural dexterity than because they knew what it was doing. Once they get it open they eat it, their mannerisms once more giving the sense that while they had no idea what kind of taste to expect, they are tourly enjoying it.
The cockles are absolutely delicious, fully as buttery and sweet tasting as most other shellfish but conspicuously lacking the briny taste that some find a little too strong. The briny smell of boiling seaweed, on the other hand, is beginning to steal from the second pot Myrtea put on the fire and waft around the room ... not unpleasantly, but definitely bringing a tinge of the sea to this lofty inn several miles inland. Some of the other patrons are beginning to sniff the air with reminiscent smiles; others, with a wry but somewhat puckered patience on their faces. You think you even hear some whispers that die off quickly into inaudibility but clearly begin, "Oh dear, Myrtea's laverbread again. So old fashioned ... "
Slowly, the bubbling from the seaweed pot becomes thicker and gloopier, and the smells from the pot of cawl begin to weave an increasingly complex counterpoint as she adds first cabbage and potatoes, then finally ground oats; and finishes by taking out several meaty bones from another cold pot and slicing off chunks which she tosses in with the bones themselves and the diced leeks. Both pots are then moved to the sides of the long metal pole they hang from over the fire and left to slowly simmer. When all is ready, she ladles the two ... delicacies ... into five oval wooden bowls which are partitioned into two sections by a lighter colored wood divider in the middle. In the absolute center, this rises and widens into a small hollow holding a much smaller bowl into which she spoons a few more shellfish She takes a taste from one of the bowls and nods in satisfaction; hands two to Glyn and sets the others down in front of Artifex and the Black Rose. Then, finally, she turns to you.
"Ready! For the most authentic experience, I'd suggest eating these with hot buttered toast; that is included in the price, but for those who prefer we also substitute extra bacon. And ... mmm ... I know some find this a little indelicate, but I really don't intend it so ... but some individuals -- ," she shoots a quick side glance at one of the shadowier corners, " -- think that if I mention the more commercial aspects to them at all, I'm accusing them of not intending to pay. I mean nothing of the kind! Its just that I know how hard it is sometimes to keep track of how much the tab is running up when you're having a good time; so EVERY NOW AND THEN I simply MENTION what the total has accrued to so far, and ask if the patron wishes to leave it on that tab, or take care of it then and start a new one. That's ALL ... "
(please make a Perception check on your character sheets at this point. It will show up in my campaign management screen, and I'll either PM you with the results or describe here depending how obvious it would be in-world that you're trying to be particularly observant)
After a moment's pause, she goes on. "Now, in your cases I definitely want to deal fairly with such nice patrons. Since the prices of your various orders add up fairly similar, I think we can average them out and say that so far each of your tabs adds up, at the moment, to one ceiniog and six firdlyc. We have decided ... after some discussion ... to accept coins from elsewhere at par based on their metal, so any silver coin and six copper coins of any currency will do just fine." You think she shoots a brief glance over at Glyn as she finishes the sentence, but it is gone so quickly you can't be sure.
I've decided to use the third post of this thread, the one showing the continent map, to fill in details that come up in play which I hadn't fully described before. As the first fill-in, I've created a table where I will fill in all the different names for coins across the various cultures as you encounter them; all the coin names for the culture prevalent in Abyrstwyth ( ) are now posted there
Artifex give an airy chuckle, pulling a strange gold coin shaped like a crescent and with unfamiliar designs on it out of their pocket. "Keep a tab going for me, I'm sure I'll be back here at come point. Will this work?" They hand Myrtea the coin. "Also, anyone here up for a wager?" They ask a little louder, their question directed at anyone in the immediate vicinity.
"I might be up for a wager, but could you excuse me for a second? I would like to take care of my tab right away," The Black Rose responded. Turning to Myrtea, he took out a gold coin and placed it on the table. "I hope this will cover the rest of this wonderful dining experience. If not, let me know. But if the tab does not exceed this, then the rest is yours to keep as a thank you for good service."
"Oh, and I was supposed to mention something", he leaned in and whispered to Myrtea, "Zanixi Zoppebis Leewamba."
At the mention of that name, Myrtea's left eyebrow not only shoots up to the level of her left horn, but you would swear you see it creep a few inches up the keratin. "I SEE. You're on that expense account ... " She draws a clipboard out from under what you can't help starting to think of as a bar of holding. Then she sighs, and an almost wistful note creeps into her voice. "Oh, if I was only the wild and carefree girl-calf I used to be, I'd love to g..."
She shakes herself back to the present with a visible effort. "I'm so glad anyway. I actually think I saw him come in earlier, so I'll be able to confirm this right away. And since you all mentioned sharing the order ... " She passes the clipboard to The Black Rose. "Please write your names on this, and I will take it up and see what he says."
The Black Rose took the clipboard and moved his chair closer to Artifex so that both of them could study it. "Is this blank or is it some sort of a contract?" he asked as he looked from Myrtea to Artifex. "I'm afraid my condition only allows me to read anything i can feel", "It must be carved, engraved, embossed or something similar" he elaborated.
"One usually ends up where one is meant to be." Artifex says, their tone light. "In common, I am called Artifex. I consider myself a collector of stories, and you all certainly appear to be extraordinary in your own right... I look forward to adding to my collection."
I hope to be able to join this group. I DM'd you my character stats and backstory in case you didn't want me to clutter this up. If you prefer I can add it all hear so the others can see.
Just a bit for others to reference: scrawny Halfling Rogue / future subclass undecided at the moment
Well, considering I'm cluttering it up myself all the time anyway LOL ...
..........
more seriously, though, I think I would like you to post the full application data; but not because I have any qualms about you or your character. I more want to set a standard procedure for people who apply to join after you to follow, and to be fair to all players by asking for the same kind of post from everyone. I'll quote the initial post about application details wanted here so you don't have to comb back through the rather long introductory posts at the beginning to find it:
If you are interested in signing up for this game, please post with:
Ability scores: (4d6, drop lowest; take standard array if you hate what you get)**
Character name:
Character class/subclass*:
(Background) Backstory:
* if decided
**(for those who don't already know how to do it, there's an icon that looks like a six sided die with three dots showing in the topic reply menu bar; when you click that it will give you a menu to add a dice roller to your post so that when you click "Post Reply" it will give you random numbers there as if you'd rolled the appropriate dice and applied the appropriate modifications. I've found that if you edit the post too much though, it will reroll those dice at some point when you click "post", and that flags the results in the message as having been potentially manipulated. If that happens message me with the original numbers if you remember and want to keep them, or just do a new post with new dice rollers that won't be flagged, and mention in the post why. An example of an ability score array of 4d6 drop lowest dice rollers: (in a post I deliberately edited often enough to be flagged):
151613121016
In your particular case, though, I have decided to accept your character, so all that remains is for you to write in how and when they make their appearance, express an interest in sharing this peculiar dish on the same expense account, and enjoy the subsequent madness ;)
The Black Rose took the clipboard and moved his chair closer to Artifex so that both of them could study it. "Is this blank or is it some sort of a contract?" he asked as he looked from Myrtea to Artifex. "I'm afraid my condition only allows me to read anything i can feel", "It must be carved, engraved, embossed or something similar" he elaborated.
Myrtea turns to speak to you directly. "I'm so sorry. The paper I gave you simply has the name of the account -- Mr. Leewamba's -- written at the top, and then the remainder of the sheet has horizontal lines for your names so I and Mr. Leewamba can address you with the proper courtesy when I introduce you. And also, ... " she lowers her voice and breathes into your ear, "there are certain local individuals Mr. Leewamba would prefer not to employ. I can see myself that none of you are them, and I will assure him of that, but the list of names in your own handwriting would also help. He has been a little ... pestered ... on the issue in the past, and he has asked that I do things this way as a precaution."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex giggles, taking the clipboard. "I admire your caution The Black Rose. A contract unknowingly entered into is a dangerous thing, and not something easily escaped."
As they speak, Artifex writes *Iqua Ath'Trad* on the clipboard, and next to it writes *Artifex* in parenthesis. "You're welcome to show Mr. Leewamba my name, though I doubt they'll recognize it from anywhere."
Background: Tarton was possessed in his youth (9 years old) and was kept locked up for 5 years when the healers and other spellcasters couldn't remove the fiend. Durring the 5th year he escaped when he felt the food given to him was barely keeping him alive. It has been 6 years since his escape and he is now 20 and wanders the streets aimlessly stealing food to survive as he doesn't have a coin to his name.
Backstory: Tarton happened to steal an odd ice statuette on impulse and found that what had actually mysteriously attracted him to the object was the message within as the desire to keep it evaporated after reading the message. He dropped the statuette back in the pack he had picked it up from.
He made his way to Llandovian immediately following those he had almost stolen from. he waited until just after the sun had fully gone down then approached the Riverkin's Arms. Upon reading the notice and not being able to discern the name at the bottom he resolves himself to steal at least a bite of this laverbread and leek cawl and move on. What an odd way to advertise a meal, and a trick at that!? What possessed me to think this would help me? he thinks to himself. Stealing himself for the excitement that is going to soon transpire, he waits until he can hide in the shadow of a large patron and enters, sneaking his way to the feet of those at the bar.
Tarton is sneaking around the side of the bar as Myrtea is explaining about the tab. While she is distracted from explaining about the clip-board he grabs a bowl and helps himself to what is in the pots by the fire and digs in while sneaking back around the bar.
This is my first PbP so I hope I am not taking too many actions at once without a response. I will be driving most of the day tomorrow so I won't be able to respond until late evening for EST. So if you need to bot my PC to continue the story I appreciate your help.
"It's all good, my dear barkeep," said The Black Rose with a smile. "You have been a wonderful host this evening." As she whispered the last part, he nodded before turning to Artifex. "Indeed it is," The Black Rose grinned back before taking the clipboard and writing his own name on it. "I hope 'The Black Rose' will do. It is not my birth name, but it is a name giving to me by my farther, and it is what I go by these days. Please let me know if my birth name is needed," he said to Myrtea before giving the clipboard over to Erolith.
Sae:
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Glyn:
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
As someone who had never eaten shellfish before, The Black Rose struggled to open the first few before finally finding a proper but still clumsy way to do it.
Meanwhile he was caught a little off guard by her hesitation, and although his lifeless eyes were not fixed on her, his other senses were busy studying Myrtea carefully as she cooked, trying to read her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All three AI representations of the characters look great. It is crazy what you can do with AI!
But I agree, Myrtea was the best representation, which is a little weird since she is the least humanoid of those three XD
Artifex slips the knife into the shellfish with ease, more because of her natural dexterity than because they knew what it was doing. Once they get it open they eat it, their mannerisms once more giving the sense that while they had no idea what kind of taste to expect, they are tourly enjoying it.
The cockles are absolutely delicious, fully as buttery and sweet tasting as most other shellfish but conspicuously lacking the briny taste that some find a little too strong. The briny smell of boiling seaweed, on the other hand, is beginning to steal from the second pot Myrtea put on the fire and waft around the room ... not unpleasantly, but definitely bringing a tinge of the sea to this lofty inn several miles inland. Some of the other patrons are beginning to sniff the air with reminiscent smiles; others, with a wry but somewhat puckered patience on their faces. You think you even hear some whispers that die off quickly into inaudibility but clearly begin, "Oh dear, Myrtea's laverbread again. So old fashioned ... "
Slowly, the bubbling from the seaweed pot becomes thicker and gloopier, and the smells from the pot of cawl begin to weave an increasingly complex counterpoint as she adds first cabbage and potatoes, then finally ground oats; and finishes by taking out several meaty bones from another cold pot and slicing off chunks which she tosses in with the bones themselves and the diced leeks. Both pots are then moved to the sides of the long metal pole they hang from over the fire and left to slowly simmer. When all is ready, she ladles the two ... delicacies ... into five oval wooden bowls which are partitioned into two sections by a lighter colored wood divider in the middle. In the absolute center, this rises and widens into a small hollow holding a much smaller bowl into which she spoons a few more shellfish She takes a taste from one of the bowls and nods in satisfaction; hands two to Glyn and sets the others down in front of Artifex and the Black Rose. Then, finally, she turns to you.
"Ready! For the most authentic experience, I'd suggest eating these with hot buttered toast; that is included in the price, but for those who prefer we also substitute extra bacon. And ... mmm ... I know some find this a little indelicate, but I really don't intend it so ... but some individuals -- ," she shoots a quick side glance at one of the shadowier corners, " -- think that if I mention the more commercial aspects to them at all, I'm accusing them of not intending to pay. I mean nothing of the kind! Its just that I know how hard it is sometimes to keep track of how much the tab is running up when you're having a good time; so EVERY NOW AND THEN I simply MENTION what the total has accrued to so far, and ask if the patron wishes to leave it on that tab, or take care of it then and start a new one. That's ALL ... "
After a moment's pause, she goes on. "Now, in your cases I definitely want to deal fairly with such nice patrons. Since the prices of your various orders add up fairly similar, I think we can average them out and say that so far each of your tabs adds up, at the moment, to one ceiniog and six firdlyc. We have decided ... after some discussion ... to accept coins from elsewhere at par based on their metal, so any silver coin and six copper coins of any currency will do just fine." You think she shoots a brief glance over at Glyn as she finishes the sentence, but it is gone so quickly you can't be sure.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex give an airy chuckle, pulling a strange gold coin shaped like a crescent and with unfamiliar designs on it out of their pocket. "Keep a tab going for me, I'm sure I'll be back here at come point. Will this work?" They hand Myrtea the coin. "Also, anyone here up for a wager?" They ask a little louder, their question directed at anyone in the immediate vicinity.
—————
Sorry for the inadvertent dice rolls. I thought I had this figured out. How do you roll for perception?
"I might be up for a wager, but could you excuse me for a second? I would like to take care of my tab right away," The Black Rose responded. Turning to Myrtea, he took out a gold coin and placed it on the table. "I hope this will cover the rest of this wonderful dining experience. If not, let me know. But if the tab does not exceed this, then the rest is yours to keep as a thank you for good service."
"Oh, and I was supposed to mention something", he leaned in and whispered to Myrtea, "Zanixi Zoppebis Leewamba."
At the mention of that name, Myrtea's left eyebrow not only shoots up to the level of her left horn, but you would swear you see it creep a few inches up the keratin. "I SEE. You're on that expense account ... " She draws a clipboard out from under what you can't help starting to think of as a bar of holding. Then she sighs, and an almost wistful note creeps into her voice. "Oh, if I was only the wild and carefree girl-calf I used to be, I'd love to g..."
She shakes herself back to the present with a visible effort. "I'm so glad anyway. I actually think I saw him come in earlier, so I'll be able to confirm this right away. And since you all mentioned sharing the order ... " She passes the clipboard to The Black Rose. "Please write your names on this, and I will take it up and see what he says."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The Black Rose took the clipboard and moved his chair closer to Artifex so that both of them could study it. "Is this blank or is it some sort of a contract?" he asked as he looked from Myrtea to Artifex. "I'm afraid my condition only allows me to read anything i can feel", "It must be carved, engraved, embossed or something similar" he elaborated.
Erolith watches and listens intently to the actions and dialogue between the server and these strangers.
”Well met, travelers. It appears we have been brought together by a shared interest in a unique menu item. My name is Erolith Nightshade.”
"Indeed, it seems that way," The Black Rose responded as he gave Erolith his hand with a big smile on his face, "You may call me The Black Rose".
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did two of ours players leave the campaign?
"One usually ends up where one is meant to be." Artifex says, their tone light. "In common, I am called Artifex. I consider myself a collector of stories, and you all certainly appear to be extraordinary in your own right... I look forward to adding to my collection."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is the clipboard blank?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope to be able to join this group. I DM'd you my character stats and backstory in case you didn't want me to clutter this up. If you prefer I can add it all hear so the others can see.
Just a bit for others to reference: scrawny Halfling Rogue / future subclass undecided at the moment
Thanks for the consideration.
Well, considering I'm cluttering it up myself all the time anyway LOL ...
..........
more seriously, though, I think I would like you to post the full application data; but not because I have any qualms about you or your character. I more want to set a standard procedure for people who apply to join after you to follow, and to be fair to all players by asking for the same kind of post from everyone. I'll quote the initial post about application details wanted here so you don't have to comb back through the rather long introductory posts at the beginning to find it:
In your particular case, though, I have decided to accept your character, so all that remains is for you to write in how and when they make their appearance, express an interest in sharing this peculiar dish on the same expense account, and enjoy the subsequent madness ;)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Myrtea turns to speak to you directly. "I'm so sorry. The paper I gave you simply has the name of the account -- Mr. Leewamba's -- written at the top, and then the remainder of the sheet has horizontal lines for your names so I and Mr. Leewamba can address you with the proper courtesy when I introduce you. And also, ... " she lowers her voice and breathes into your ear, "there are certain local individuals Mr. Leewamba would prefer not to employ. I can see myself that none of you are them, and I will assure him of that, but the list of names in your own handwriting would also help. He has been a little ... pestered ... on the issue in the past, and he has asked that I do things this way as a precaution."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex giggles, taking the clipboard. "I admire your caution The Black Rose. A contract unknowingly entered into is a dangerous thing, and not something easily escaped."
As they speak, Artifex writes *Iqua Ath'Trad* on the clipboard, and next to it writes *Artifex* in parenthesis. "You're welcome to show Mr. Leewamba my name, though I doubt they'll recognize it from anywhere."
Name: Tarton Fleetfoot
Class: Rogue / Subclass: undecided
Background: Tarton was possessed in his youth (9 years old) and was kept locked up for 5 years when the healers and other spellcasters couldn't remove the fiend. Durring the 5th year he escaped when he felt the food given to him was barely keeping him alive. It has been 6 years since his escape and he is now 20 and wanders the streets aimlessly stealing food to survive as he doesn't have a coin to his name.
Backstory: Tarton happened to steal an odd ice statuette on impulse and found that what had actually mysteriously attracted him to the object was the message within as the desire to keep it evaporated after reading the message. He dropped the statuette back in the pack he had picked it up from.
He made his way to Llandovian immediately following those he had almost stolen from. he waited until just after the sun had fully gone down then approached the Riverkin's Arms. Upon reading the notice and not being able to discern the name at the bottom he resolves himself to steal at least a bite of this laverbread and leek cawl and move on. What an odd way to advertise a meal, and a trick at that!? What possessed me to think this would help me? he thinks to himself. Stealing himself for the excitement that is going to soon transpire, he waits until he can hide in the shadow of a large patron and enters, sneaking his way to the feet of those at the bar.
Tarton is sneaking around the side of the bar as Myrtea is explaining about the tab. While she is distracted from explaining about the clip-board he grabs a bowl and helps himself to what is in the pots by the fire and digs in while sneaking back around the bar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is my first PbP so I hope I am not taking too many actions at once without a response. I will be driving most of the day tomorrow so I won't be able to respond until late evening for EST. So if you need to bot my PC to continue the story I appreciate your help.
"It's all good, my dear barkeep," said The Black Rose with a smile. "You have been a wonderful host this evening." As she whispered the last part, he nodded before turning to Artifex. "Indeed it is," The Black Rose grinned back before taking the clipboard and writing his own name on it. "I hope 'The Black Rose' will do. It is not my birth name, but it is a name giving to me by my farther, and it is what I go by these days. Please let me know if my birth name is needed," he said to Myrtea before giving the clipboard over to Erolith.
Erolith warily signs the clipboard before handing it back to Myrtea. “I am not sure what we just signed up for,” he exclaims as he scans the room.