The party readies themselves and takes the first few steps in their trek when the innkeeper from the inn where everyone has been residing, one Urgala Meltimer-a woman in her later years, balding with a few strands of hair flopping this way and that, as she comes running up to the party. "I am glad I caught ya," she says in a breathy tone. Obviously, it has been some time since the woman ran anywhere. "I just came from Dara an' she told me ta come find ya." Urgala pauses for a few long minutes to catch her breath before speaking again. "I was speakin' ta Dara an' told her about somethin' that might help us out. A long time ago I did a bit of adventuring myself an' came across a knight who wielded, what he called, a magic battle axe. Thin' was he told everyone it was.." Urgala pauses for a moment and moves closer to the party. She cups her mouth with her left hand and whispers: "a battle axe of Giant Slayin'." Urgala steps back 1 step and continues. "Now I ain't too sure if it's true or not but this knight, one Harthos Zymorven by name, has a keep just south of Silverymoon, called Zymorven Hall. If you were ta go there, it's on yer way from what I've been told, an' mention my name ta Harthos and tell him about our need here I am sure he will part with it ta help us fend off tha giants if they come back."
Spike recounts the information about the axe as well.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Essendrum leafs through the book about potatoes, attempting to look fascinated. He nods sagely. “Yes, the giants will find this very helpful with only a few modifications. Perhaps when they rule the land they will be better behaved.” He loudly plops the book down in his ‘read later’ pile and scowls at the heavy book, looking about for a step-stool or other piece of furniture he might use to reach it.
"Zym eh?" Darl says after Spike recounts what Daratha & Urgala. He pauses for a moment and nods a couple of times as he thinks. "Well, I haven't heard much about any giants on the move, though it doesn't surprise me," he says. "But I think you need to tell your story to someone more informed than I." The half-orc opens a fumble with something on his side of the table and you think you hear what sounds like a drawer being pulled out. Dral produces 6 glasses and a bottle of wine. He sets them on the top of the table and pours the contents of the bottle, a white wine, into each glass. He gives each of you a glass and takes one for himself. "A toast then." he says and holds his glass. "To the folks that came to our rescue and saved us from a fate worse than death."
Essendrum sighs. “It seems Harper’s never pay their debts. I would leave you to your just end if not for the sale of these children you will drag down with you. Very well. More parlor tricks.” He walks over and drinks a glass.
Kiana seems to be quiet and absent-minded for the duration of the conversation, since she figures none of it particularly pertains to her, but she snaps out of it when she spots a bottle being procured. She takes the glass set before her, holds it high, gives an affirming "hear, hear" to the toast, and then drinks it with a speed that feels just a bit too rapid for someone in her attire.
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Something tugged at the corner of Enoch's mind, but he couldn't quite pin it down. Nevertheless, he took up a glass. "To the redemption of these giants!" he says, as he then takes a drink, while covertly reducing the swig to merely a sip. He hadn't wanted to offend, but also didn't fancy wine, and he wanted to get a good taste before deciding whether or not to down his glass.
Essendrum offers a glass to Kiza. “Cheap Harper theatrics, but they will let giants rampage the countryside until we play their game. I suggest you consider drinking.”
Everyone drinks the wine. It takes a bit fruity but is very pleasant. Suddenly lights start swirling around you. You feel a queasiness in your stomach as the world drops from under your feet and you feel suspended in mid-air, surrounded by darkness. With the next breath, the darkness around you falls away and with a bright flash of light, you find yourselves standing in a large circular room. The room appears to be 70 ft x 70 ft. and is decorated in everything from lavish sofas to meager camp chairs that dot the landscape. Hanging from the walls are a few tapestries here & there as well as paintings of persons unknown to you. One particular painting stands out, a man with a flowing white beard, and long white hair, dressed in a green tunic and dark blue leggings with a red sash. On top of this man's head sits a large, blue,wide-brimmed pointed hat and he is holding a pipe in his mouth. At second glance you see smoke coming from the pipe. You are drawn to his face and he winks.
Your attention is drawn away from the picture by the sound of several "MEOWS" You turn to find several Tressym's, (for those unfamiliar-house cats with wings) lounging around the room. They seem disinterested in you or your arrival.
Running footsteps echo through the room. You turn to the north to find a doorway, one you are sure wasn't there when you first arrived. Beyond the doorway, you see a set of large stone steps. "Coming Coming!" exclaims a voice from the doorway. The running gets louder and within seconds an elderly man steps through. He has a long flowing white beard but his white hair is absent on top and the remnant adorns the edges of the large bald spot. His face is weathered and his nose is a bit too long for his reddened face. He is wearing a long red scarf around his neck, and a brown short jacket with a sweat-drenched white shirt underneath. His leggings are falling on one side while he holds the other side up with one hand. He is barefoot and holds a short staff in his other hand. "Welcome, Welcome," he tells you, throwing his arms wide and then bringing them back down to his sides. "I'm sure this is a bit of a shock but you are most welcome here." He smiles. "I am Krowen Valharrow, keeper of this tower and I am told you are the folks that Darathra conscripted and also rescued Dral." he says, still smiling. "I hear you bested a Fire Gaint, that must have been a whammer of a tiff." he chuckles. He pauses a moment, smiling at you. Abruptly there is a loud "MEOW" behind you. Krowen perks up immediately. "Quite right, Quite right," he says. "Whose up for some tea?" he asks, leaning forward a bit, placing both hands on the short staff.
"Okay, one," Kiana sticks out a finger, "Darathra didn't conscript me. Two," another finger goes up, "I didn't rescue Dral. Three," a third finger, "I've never met a fire giant, much less 'bested' one. Four," the fourth digit falls in line, "I didn't walk here, or travel to this location by any means, and yet I still appear to be here. And, perhaps most importantly, five," the thumb joins its longer siblings, "CATS DON'T HAVE WINGS! So I don't really care how many towers you happen to keep, because there's been some kind of major clerical error in either your brain or the universe, quite possibly both, and I'm heavily suggesting that you explain what's going on or if you'd like just put us all back. And I'm not thirsty, thanks."
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Enoch's attention swiveled from Krowen to Kiana and back as she berated him. As she finished, the paladin nodded in agreement. "We just had teleporting wine... and now you want us to drink tea? What gives?"
Essendrum smiles warmly at Krowen. “Tea would be lovely.”
He steps over to Kiana. “He’s speaking to Enoch, Flint, and Kiza. Before we met in the basement, they did those things. As a Harper, he may feel you need less of a welcome. Soon he will send them off on some new errand, probably with little explanation, and I will go along to keep an eye on them. I think you are expected to go along too, being a Harper and all.”
”Indeed we did, though I would more call it agreeing to take on a job than conscription,” replies Flint, “after we as concerned citizens lept to the defense of Triboar.”
”Tea would be fine, but ale would be better,” replies Flint to their host. He is trying to be polite in an unfamiliar situation, but his hand does keep straying to the stein at his belt.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Krowen pauses, still holding his short staff with both hands. Abruptly his leggings fall to his ankles. Krowen's face turns red and with a wave of his hand, the pants are pulled back up and stay there. "Ahem." he clears his throat and speaks: To Kiana: "Now my dear," he starts. " I am well aware you were with Dral when his unfortunate capture occurred. You, like everyone else with you, were brought here by magical means. Now this should not shock you as magic is part of all our lives even if we do not think so." he pauses then says: "The young man is correct. You have just been given the Harper mission you have been striving for so please try and find some joy in this." He smiles at Kiana. "And these creatures are not cats, they are Tressym and are very common in Cormyr. I am very surprised you have never come across one."
To the rest: "I am sorry to say that you have indeed been conscripted into the Triboar Watch. It's an agreement throughout the region that in times of great trouble those that can, will be enlisted to protect the region and, the refusal does bring some steep penalties." Again he pauses before continuing. His brow furrows for a moment then he returns his attention back to you. "But you are in Luck. You have been released in your obligation to Triboar and are now working for the Harpers." He turns and walks through the doorway and starts up the stairs. "Come along, we have much to discuss."
You are led up the steps, passing several doors, some open, some closed, and finally are led through a door some 200 steps above. Krowen directs you to relax for a moment and shuffles off through another door along the east wall. The room itself is spacious and has a cozy feel about it. Various chairs, benches, and tables make up the decor of this room and several Tressym are seen lounging about. After a few moments, he returns carrying a larger silver tray with a cup for each of you and a tea kettle in the other hand. He nimbly sets them on a table near you and serves each of you a cup of tea. He serves himself a cup, & finds a seat facing you. After a couple of sips and a smile, he speaks up. "This giant business is quite shocking, to say the least. I studied the history and it has been almost 300 years since the giants were bold enough to move toward any established human settlement. I have spoken with those few who could spare time from their duties on the matter but the best so far was someone going to Candle Keep to enquire." He stops and scratches his chin before continuing. "What we do know is that the Giants are on the move. A Storm's castle was spotted some 60 leagues offshore and there are rumblings from the Hill Giants and a couple of Frost Giants have been spotted stomping around the edges of the High Ice. What we don't know is why. Which brings us to you folks. Having heard of your actions in Triboar and your rescue of Dral, it's been decided to have you work an end of this investigation and help figure out what these giants are up to." Krowne sits back to let this sink in.
Essendrum sips his tea. “An investigation sounds much more interesting than lounging about with the town watch or rescuing errant barkeeps from their own basement. What would you like looked into?”
"A good question, Essendrum, and it brings up another one--did we ever get paid for rescuing Dral? I could have sworn there was a reward promised of some kind," says Flint, trying to take the delicate teacup and not crush it in his over-large hand.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kiana is visibly intrigued by the talk of giants and an adventure for the Harpers, seemingly budging her from her disdain for the situation. She still isn't going to drink the tea, though. "I'd be fine to work with these folks, they seem capable. But where would we be going, exactly? What would we be doing?"
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
"Giants rampaging across the land does not bode well but I agree we need a lead or some direction for our investigation. I was also hoping not to be in another strange location but here we are." says Kiza.
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Spike recounts the information about the axe as well.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Essendrum leafs through the book about potatoes, attempting to look fascinated. He nods sagely. “Yes, the giants will find this very helpful with only a few modifications. Perhaps when they rule the land they will be better behaved.” He loudly plops the book down in his ‘read later’ pile and scowls at the heavy book, looking about for a step-stool or other piece of furniture he might use to reach it.
"Zym eh?" Darl says after Spike recounts what Daratha & Urgala.
He pauses for a moment and nods a couple of times as he thinks.
"Well, I haven't heard much about any giants on the move, though it doesn't surprise me," he says. "But I think you need to tell your story to someone more informed than I."
The half-orc opens a fumble with something on his side of the table and you think you hear what sounds like a drawer being pulled out. Dral produces 6 glasses and a bottle of wine.
He sets them on the top of the table and pours the contents of the bottle, a white wine, into each glass. He gives each of you a glass and takes one for himself.
"A toast then." he says and holds his glass. "To the folks that came to our rescue and saved us from a fate worse than death."
DM:
Who drinks?
Essendrum sighs. “It seems Harper’s never pay their debts. I would leave you to your just end if not for the sale of these children you will drag down with you. Very well. More parlor tricks.” He walks over and drinks a glass.
Kiana seems to be quiet and absent-minded for the duration of the conversation, since she figures none of it particularly pertains to her, but she snaps out of it when she spots a bottle being procured. She takes the glass set before her, holds it high, gives an affirming "hear, hear" to the toast, and then drinks it with a speed that feels just a bit too rapid for someone in her attire.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Something tugged at the corner of Enoch's mind, but he couldn't quite pin it down. Nevertheless, he took up a glass. "To the redemption of these giants!" he says, as he then takes a drink, while covertly reducing the swig to merely a sip. He hadn't wanted to offend, but also didn't fancy wine, and he wanted to get a good taste before deciding whether or not to down his glass.
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Flint:
”Not my usual fare, Dral, but I won’t turn down a drink offered in good faith,” answers Flint, picking up the glass and drinking without hesitation.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Essendrum offers a glass to Kiza. “Cheap Harper theatrics, but they will let giants rampage the countryside until we play their game. I suggest you consider drinking.”
Kiza takes the offered glass of wine and takes a sniff and swirls the cups content similar to the wine connoisseurs.
She checks to see if anything is strange of off about the smell. If nothing seems amiss, she will drink down the whole cup of wine.
Perception
9
Everyone drinks the wine. It takes a bit fruity but is very pleasant.
Suddenly lights start swirling around you.
You feel a queasiness in your stomach as the world drops from under your feet and you feel suspended in mid-air, surrounded by darkness.
With the next breath, the darkness around you falls away and with a bright flash of light, you find yourselves standing in a large circular room.
The room appears to be 70 ft x 70 ft. and is decorated in everything from lavish sofas to meager camp chairs that dot the landscape.
Hanging from the walls are a few tapestries here & there as well as paintings of persons unknown to you.
One particular painting stands out, a man with a flowing white beard, and long white hair, dressed in a green tunic and dark blue leggings with a red sash. On top of this man's head sits a large, blue,wide-brimmed pointed hat and he is holding a pipe in his mouth.
At second glance you see smoke coming from the pipe. You are drawn to his face and he winks.
Your attention is drawn away from the picture by the sound of several "MEOWS"
You turn to find several Tressym's, (for those unfamiliar-house cats with wings) lounging around the room. They seem disinterested in you or your arrival.
Running footsteps echo through the room. You turn to the north to find a doorway, one you are sure wasn't there when you first arrived.
Beyond the doorway, you see a set of large stone steps.
"Coming Coming!" exclaims a voice from the doorway.
The running gets louder and within seconds an elderly man steps through.
He has a long flowing white beard but his white hair is absent on top and the remnant adorns the edges of the large bald spot. His face is weathered and his nose is a bit too long for his reddened face. He is wearing a long red scarf around his neck, and a brown short jacket with a sweat-drenched white shirt underneath. His leggings are falling on one side while he holds the other side up with one hand. He is barefoot and holds a short staff in his other hand.
"Welcome, Welcome," he tells you, throwing his arms wide and then bringing them back down to his sides. "I'm sure this is a bit of a shock but you are most welcome here."
He smiles.
"I am Krowen Valharrow, keeper of this tower and I am told you are the folks that Darathra conscripted and also rescued Dral." he says, still smiling. "I hear you bested a Fire Gaint, that must have been a whammer of a tiff." he chuckles.
He pauses a moment, smiling at you.
Abruptly there is a loud "MEOW" behind you.
Krowen perks up immediately.
"Quite right, Quite right," he says. "Whose up for some tea?" he asks, leaning forward a bit, placing both hands on the short staff.
"Okay, one," Kiana sticks out a finger, "Darathra didn't conscript me. Two," another finger goes up, "I didn't rescue Dral. Three," a third finger, "I've never met a fire giant, much less 'bested' one. Four," the fourth digit falls in line, "I didn't walk here, or travel to this location by any means, and yet I still appear to be here. And, perhaps most importantly, five," the thumb joins its longer siblings, "CATS DON'T HAVE WINGS! So I don't really care how many towers you happen to keep, because there's been some kind of major clerical error in either your brain or the universe, quite possibly both, and I'm heavily suggesting that you explain what's going on or if you'd like just put us all back. And I'm not thirsty, thanks."
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Enoch's attention swiveled from Krowen to Kiana and back as she berated him. As she finished, the paladin nodded in agreement. "We just had teleporting wine... and now you want us to drink tea? What gives?"
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Essendrum smiles warmly at Krowen. “Tea would be lovely.”
He steps over to Kiana. “He’s speaking to Enoch, Flint, and Kiza. Before we met in the basement, they did those things. As a Harper, he may feel you need less of a welcome. Soon he will send them off on some new errand, probably with little explanation, and I will go along to keep an eye on them. I think you are expected to go along too, being a Harper and all.”
Flint:
”Indeed we did, though I would more call it agreeing to take on a job than conscription,” replies Flint, “after we as concerned citizens lept to the defense of Triboar.”
”Tea would be fine, but ale would be better,” replies Flint to their host. He is trying to be polite in an unfamiliar situation, but his hand does keep straying to the stein at his belt.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Krowen pauses, still holding his short staff with both hands. Abruptly his leggings fall to his ankles.
Krowen's face turns red and with a wave of his hand, the pants are pulled back up and stay there.
"Ahem." he clears his throat and speaks:
To Kiana:
"Now my dear," he starts. " I am well aware you were with Dral when his unfortunate capture occurred. You, like everyone else with you, were brought here by magical means. Now this should not shock you as magic is part of all our lives even if we do not think so." he pauses then says:
"The young man is correct. You have just been given the Harper mission you have been striving for so please try and find some joy in this."
He smiles at Kiana.
"And these creatures are not cats, they are Tressym and are very common in Cormyr. I am very surprised you have never come across one."
To the rest:
"I am sorry to say that you have indeed been conscripted into the Triboar Watch. It's an agreement throughout the region that in times of great trouble those that can, will be enlisted to protect the region and, the refusal does bring some steep penalties."
Again he pauses before continuing. His brow furrows for a moment then he returns his attention back to you.
"But you are in Luck. You have been released in your obligation to Triboar and are now working for the Harpers."
He turns and walks through the doorway and starts up the stairs.
"Come along, we have much to discuss."
You are led up the steps, passing several doors, some open, some closed, and finally are led through a door some 200 steps above.
Krowen directs you to relax for a moment and shuffles off through another door along the east wall.
The room itself is spacious and has a cozy feel about it. Various chairs, benches, and tables make up the decor of this room and several Tressym are seen lounging about.
After a few moments, he returns carrying a larger silver tray with a cup for each of you and a tea kettle in the other hand.
He nimbly sets them on a table near you and serves each of you a cup of tea.
He serves himself a cup, & finds a seat facing you. After a couple of sips and a smile, he speaks up.
"This giant business is quite shocking, to say the least. I studied the history and it has been almost 300 years since the giants were bold enough to move toward any established human settlement. I have spoken with those few who could spare time from their duties on the matter but the best so far was someone going to Candle Keep to enquire."
He stops and scratches his chin before continuing.
"What we do know is that the Giants are on the move. A Storm's castle was spotted some 60 leagues offshore and there are rumblings from the Hill Giants and a couple of Frost Giants have been spotted stomping around the edges of the High Ice. What we don't know is why. Which brings us to you folks. Having heard of your actions in Triboar and your rescue of Dral, it's been decided to have you work an end of this investigation and help figure out what these giants are up to."
Krowne sits back to let this sink in.
Essendrum sips his tea. “An investigation sounds much more interesting than lounging about with the town watch or rescuing errant barkeeps from their own basement. What would you like looked into?”
Flint:
"A good question, Essendrum, and it brings up another one--did we ever get paid for rescuing Dral? I could have sworn there was a reward promised of some kind," says Flint, trying to take the delicate teacup and not crush it in his over-large hand.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Enoch simply stared at the tea with a slightly annoyed look on his face, listening as the others talked.
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Kiana is visibly intrigued by the talk of giants and an adventure for the Harpers, seemingly budging her from her disdain for the situation. She still isn't going to drink the tea, though. "I'd be fine to work with these folks, they seem capable. But where would we be going, exactly? What would we be doing?"
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
"Giants rampaging across the land does not bode well but I agree we need a lead or some direction for our investigation. I was also hoping not to be in another strange location but here we are." says Kiza.