As Marten heads up the street to Barthen’s Provisions, he sees someone else just ahead of him rushing in the same direction. Two people actually. A woman, mid-thirties, wearing trousers and a blouse tied above the elbows. Her arms make a bow shape, and as she quickly walks, she mutters under her breath, a sound which seems to make the young man ahead of her, whom you recognize as one of Barthen’s apprentices, cringe. Marten enters the store immediately on their heels and hears, or is subject to, the woman’s scathing morning greeting.
As Marten enters Barthen's store, the woman is already speaking. He always tries to steer clear of womenfolk, especially when they're on a tirade of this sort. He enters Barthen's as quietly as he can (stealth 13) and tries to remain out of the woman's sight, shuffling a couple of feet to the side, near the door. Marten glances around and sees Nosam, at least. If he makes eye contact with the dwarf, he simply opens his eyes wide in surprise or perhaps fear at the vehemence of the woman's words.
[Linene Graywind] doesn’t wait to pass the threshold before she begins addressing Barthen with a piercing tongue.
“What’s this, Elmar, what’s this sending for me first thing in the morning when you know this is the time I handle inventory and messages and try to get things done? Not that there’s anything to do, what with my latest shipment from the Triboar gone missing and those jackal goblins responsible and those toads the Redbrands so utterly incompetent – unlike that useless overcompensating lamebrained goon of a weakling we managed to elect as town master – not with my help mind you, I know my vote matters and won’t throw it away on swine – Harbin Wester, who if you ask me, has done nothing, even with the help of those fool Redbrands, to keep our town safe from banditry!”
Marten is quick enough to put together the woman's words with Berry and Nosam's errand at Barthen's. When the woman finally stops speaking, the silence almost seems loud, but maybe that's just the echo of the woman's voice ringing in Marten's head. Trying to catch up, Marten looks to Nosam from his place near the door and asks the dwarf: "So...the stolen goods in the goblins' cave...they belong to this woman?"
Nosam picks up on Berry's suggestion and greets the lady. "Good morning miss, name's Nosam Lightfound, pleased to meet you. And good morning to you as well Mister Marten." Turning to address Marten first and not sharing all he knows, "it appears that way although we never had the chance to inspect and inventory everything as we made a hasty exit, but I'm confident we can be of service and retrieve what is still there."He hopes his attempt to be cheerful, confident, and stern will ease her down a notch or two. He focuses back toward the woman, "I can't help but wonder if you would indeed like our assistance. I heard you mention the Redbrands were not much help, maybe we could have a chat with them and get everyone on the same page. Maybe they confirm what we know of your shipment as well." Nosam sees Berry is still paying attention and hopes the three of them are about to hear details as to how to deal with the Redbrands. "Let me know who to talk to and where to go and I'll gladly help the best I can, you townsfolk have been nothing but supportive of our group since we arrived and it's much appreciated."
“This is Sadia. Sadia, say hello to the priestess.”
The young girl stretches a few degrees so that the top half of her head completely emerges from behind her mother.
“Heh-woh,” she says.
“Pip,” continues the woman, “is the Stonehill boy. You’re staying at the inn? You may have seen him there. You don’t know yet that Sister Garaele teaches the village’s children?”
“Have we seen the Redbrands? Who hasn’t. We pay for their protection whenever it suits them to come calling for tithes. They drink and get into trouble. But the other things people say, I don’t believe them.” She glances furtively left then right, then looks behind her at her daughter and you see fear in her eyes.
“I am teaching her letters. I am pleased to meet you. Tell me when you know about schooling?.”
Unless Daphyra has more to say, Mrs. Al Faina offers a polite goodbye and closes the door.
Kiselina bargains down Mr. Al Faina to 35 gold. The smith scratches his head, nodding, and will accept a 15 GP down payment.
“Who is that?,” Al Faina echoes Kiselina’s question. “Linene Graywind. Runs the Lionshield Coster, down there,” he says, pointing toward the area of the town master’s hall, “on the green. Furnishings, clothing, weapons, armor, other handmade things, she sells.”
He seems unconcerned about Graywind’s tone of voice.
“If you excuse me, I have horseshoes and two dozen nails to cast today.” He turns back to his work.
Vidruth, looking toward Barthen’s Provisions, judges, correctly, that his companions are not in danger – in danger of physical harm, at any rate. However, Vidruth senses that if they, or indeed anyone, crosses this woman, the resulting verbal assault may be bracing indeed.
Berry notices after he has shifted hiding positions that his wingtips might still be exposed.
“Linene. Good morning to you too,” Barthen answers evenly. “Yup, I know this is when you like to do yer accounts and drink your fill o strong tea and work yer numbers an everything else. But since I’m yer friend, I thought you’d wanna hear this right away. These folks here…” he searches in vain for Berry…, “er, well, these fellows here,” he corrects himself, motioning to Nosam and now, Marten, “sez they done took care of the goblins on the Triboar themselves and found stolen goods in their cave.”
“WHAT!?!,” Linene Graywind explodes, but pauses, takes a breath, and when she continues, her voice is almost pleasant, though still with an edge that says the top could blow off at any moment.
“Well, why didn’t you say so, Elmar? I’m standing here thinking you’re calling me over without cause, and meanwhile, this is of very great interest to me. Is it true?,” she demands of Nosam. But before he can answer, she shouts again.
“YOU!,” she continues, her voice pointed at Berry’s wingtips, which she seems to have noticed. She does not seem surprised in the least that someone in the same room is trying to hide from her.
“HEY!, you and these two found supplies in a goblin cave??”
Nosam now makes his very effective offer of help to the woman.
Linene Graywind’s voice once again downshifts to an edgy pleasantness, and she addresses all three of you.
“Redbrands? Fools and hooligans. Deal with them as you wish. They aren’t welcome in my store and they know it.
As for my shipment. You bring anything that’s marked with a blue lion on it – that’s the Lionshields’ mark, a blue lion – bring it back here and I’ll make it worth your time. How does 10 gold each sound?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Berry's head peeks up and he scratches his neck a bit embarrassed by his lack of skill not because he tried hiding. "10 gold pieces for each Lionshield mark?" He asks while playfully rearranging most artistically (to his mind) what is on the table or shelf in front of him (Dexterity check for building a tower from a few items: 16).
Daphyra nods slowly at the woman. “Uhh sure, I’ll get back to you about the schooling situation when things calm down. Only been here a day and there’s certainly a bit of healing and peace-ing to do.”
“What are the other things people say about the Redbrands?”
She waves at the child. “Hi Sadia. Nice to meet you.”
“HEY!, you and these two found supplies in a goblin cave??”
Nosam now makes his very effective offer of help to the woman.
Linene Graywind’s voice once again downshifts to an edgy pleasantness, and she addresses all three of you.... "As for my shipment. You bring anything that’s marked with a blue lion on it – that’s the Lionshields’ mark, a blue lion – bring it back here and I’ll make it worth your time. How does 10 gold each sound?”
Marten stands in a relaxed slouch near the door. He answers Linene's question while looking mostly over toward Nosam and Berry or else looking approximately the woman's shoes, "Yes, ma'am. We cleared out a whole cave full o' goblins and a bugbear. We were still in a stiff fight when I saw 'em: a bunch o' barrels 'n' crates in one o' the chambers. That were two days ago now, right Nosam? We didn't get a close look, but it must o' been stuff the goblins stole from caravans on the Triboar."
Marten hastens to clarify: "Not just us three, mind you. There are six of us, but I reckon that the others are still o'er at the smithy's. We had a mind to go back to the cave with a wagon, deal with any goblins still at the cave, 'n' bring all o' the stuff back to Phandalin."
"10 gold pieces for each Lionshield mark?" He asks
"Good question, Berry!", Marten says. He had assumed that she was offering 10 gp to each person in their group, not 10 gp per crate or barrel with her mark. That's why he was careful to clarify that there were six members of their group. He wonders which way of counting would be better for them, but he couldn't say for certain how many boxes or barrels there were in the cave or how many of them bore the Lionshield mark.
Marten is happy either way. With an additional 10 gp each, they could pay their own lodging in Phandalin while they tried to figure out how to rescue Gundren and--quite likely--dealt with the Redcloaks in Phandalin.
Kiselina hands over the bracers with the agreed gold, thanks Al Faina, and turns to Vidruth and Daphyra. However, it’s the first time he notices that Daphyra isn’t in the vicinity. To Vidruth, “Where did Mistress Daphyra get to?” Just as he finished his statement though he sees that she is engaged with a woman and child at a house. Again addressing Vidruth, “Was there anything you needed of the smith? Perhaps we should go see how the others are fairing at Barthen’s? There appears to be quite the commotion down there!”
If possible, the Dragonborn will get Daphyra’s attention and indicate where he is headed. He doesn’t want to interrupt nor frighten the residents.
he gestures wordlessly to the house, just as kiselina notices, then replies to the second question "nothing from the smith, but after we address the redbrands if i still havent gotten a dager i will need to speak with linene greywind about buying one, that is a thing for later however"
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This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
In response to the harengon’s reply, Sadia pulls immediately back behind her mother’s skirt but in a moment, she sticks out her little hand in an “O” shape, then moves one eye behind it to continue looking at Daphyra as if through a telescope.
“What do they say about the Redbrands?,” says Mrs Al Faina, repeating Daphyra’s last words, in an undertone. She seems reluctant to continue, but perhaps Daphyra waits patiently until the smith’s wife opens up just a bit.
“You didn’t hear it from me. Please. I have two children. Don’t tell anyone I said it. But people say…,” and she continues in a whisper, “that the Redbrands killed a man. Mr. Thel Dendrar. And kidnapped his wife and children.” Daphyra sees terror in the woman’s eyes as they cling for a moment upon her husband, then on the apprentice – her son, you take it – and last, almost pleasingly, upon Sadia. A long moment later, Mrs. Al Faina’s face hardens and she turns to Daphrya once again.
“But they are just stories. I must see to my daughter. Good morning Sister Daphyra.” And with that she gently closes the door.
BARTHEN’S PROVISIONS
Linene Graywind is about to answer Berry when Marten echoes the fairy’s question. When Graywind replies, her body is almost completely still, in contrast to the animated open and shut motions of her jaw as she speaks.
“10 Gold for each of 3 people!,” she replies, her eyes flashing angrily. “That makes 30! Total! What, that’s not enough for you?? Do you think I have gold pieces left and right and up and down to be paying every mercenary or beggar who comes trudging through Phandalin with some story of lost treasure trying to get me to buy into their outfit and loan em weapons and armor and everything else?? Do you think that in this one-horse town with the low-wage, low-income, uneducated, uncultured poor folks living here on the edge of civilization – no offense Elmar (“None taken.”) that I am bathing in cut diamonds, ready to part with ‘just one of em’ cuz I have so many! Do you think I’ve run out of creative ways of using them since there’s nothin here to spend em on?? NO. What a question, ‘Ten gold per blue lion marked!’”
This last she directs grumblingly at Berry, literally stirring the air in the room with her puffing, which threatens the balance of the fairy’s jenga-house of stacked provisions (crabapples, we might say). Perhaps surprisingly, her breath, or perhaps even perfume? is unexpectedly sweet, like ginger lemon tea, Marten notices.
Kiselina, Vidruth, and Daphyra — if she wishes — now enter, having heard most of what Linene Graywind just said.
(OOC: An argument for a higher wage may be made using Persuasion.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Marten blanches at Linene's vehemence and lowers his head so much that the brim obscures most of his face. He's definitely not ready to argue with such a woman. If he didn't think that the group needed the coin, he'd just abandon the project and leave it to Linene to figure out how to recover her goods.
Marten takes the opportunity of Kiselina and the others' entrance to head for the door. As he passes the others near the doorway, he looks up at Kiselina with an expression that brings to mind his face when he was talking possible traps and other dangers ahead on the goblin's trail. He gets quite close and says in a quiet voice (Stealth26), "Linene Graywind of the Lionshield Coster up the street. She's prob'ly the rightful owner o' the goods back at the goblins' cave." He glances over his should and back into the room and looks back at Vidruth and Kiselina with a somewhat hopeless shrug, "M'ybe y'all could help negotiate our fee for recovering her goods."
Marten then tries to move past the others, out of the increasingly-crowded store and into the street outside. The tense negotiations were making him feel claustrophobic, and he longs to take get back outside and take a deep breath.
If the others don't keep him in Barthen's shop, Marten will find a shady spot near Barthen's, string his bow, and keep watch for any sign of thugs wearing red cloaks. He also looks off toward the east, past Barthen's, to see whether he can catch sight of any buildings in that direction. He thinks that Daphyra said something last night about the Redbrands hanging out there at a "the sleeping giant" and a manor house. (Perception10)
Daphyra looks sympathetically at the woman. "Thank you for telling me the... uh... stories. And for your welcome in the town. I look forward to being your neighbour."
She waves one of her large ears at Sadia and winks, before returning to the group leaving the smithy as they move off to Barthen's.
As they enter Barthen's, Daphyra hears Marten's introduction. She moves forward to greet the woman.
"Mistress Graywind! It is very good to meet you. I hear you may be the owner of some of the goblins' looted goods. I am Daphyra, Priestess of Bastet, newly come to town to join Sister Garaele at the shrine here. I am working with these fine people to assist those who need it. While we would love to provide our assistance to the cause of justice for free, unfortunately the group still needs to pay for food, lodging, equipment etcetera. Since I'm sure we will be purchasing a number of your no doubt excellent wares, maybe we can come to an arrangement for something a little more... agreeable on both sides?"
"You offered 30 gold for our assistance with the recovery, which is very generous, but that gives no incentive to recover as much as possible. Not that anyone would intentionally leave anything behind of course, but maybe the sweetener could be a discount on purchases from your shop, on top of your retainer. Say, 2% discount for each of the blue lions we bring back? That way if we only bring back a few items, you won't be too much more out of pocket, but it still gives us a boost to choosing to spend your coin back at your shop."
(Persuasion roll 5 plus 1 guidance. Anyone want to Help with the persuasion by lending their voice?)
Nosam a bit frustrated with the stinginess tries to explain his issue with her story. "To be fair it doesn't look like you have another option or you would have already retrieved your belongings. It'd be one thing if it was a "simple" task, but I'm sorry ma'am, the cave we were in was far from a walk in the park. Will you or will you not pay?"
Persuasion- 10, can Intimidation apply? If so, Intimidation- 18 (16+2)
Daphyra looks sympathetically at the woman. "Thank you for telling me the... uh... stories. And for your welcome in the town. I look forward to being your neighbour."
She waves one of her large ears at Sadia and winks, before returning to the group leaving the smithy as they move off to Barthen's.
As they enter Barthen's, Daphyra hears Marten's introduction. She moves forward to greet the woman.
"Mistress Graywind! It is very good to meet you. I hear you may be the owner of some of the goblins' looted goods. I am Daphyra, Priestess of Bastet, newly come to town to join Sister Garaele at the shrine here. I am working with these fine people to assist those who need it. While we would love to provide our assistance to the cause of justice for free, unfortunately the group still needs to pay for food, lodging, equipment etcetera. Since I'm sure we will be purchasing a number of your no doubt excellent wares, maybe we can come to an arrangement for something a little more... agreeable on both sides?"
"You offered 30 gold for our assistance with the recovery, which is very generous, but that gives no incentive to recover as much as possible. Not that anyone would intentionally leave anything behind of course, but maybe the sweetener could be a discount on purchases from your shop, on top of your retainer. Say, 2% discount for each of the blue lions we bring back? That way if we only bring back a few items, you won't be too much more out of pocket, but it still gives us a boost to choosing to spend your coin back at your shop."
(Persuasion roll 5 plus 1 guidance. Anyone want to Help with the persuasion by lending their voice?)
(Daphyra can roll with advantage due to her convincing argument!)
Kiselina enters into the calming chaos that Linene brought among Barthen’s shop. He picks up on Marten’s comments. He stands back for a few minutes and is impressed with Daphyra’s argument. He was forming his own ideas as Nosam interjects his take on the recovery plan and compensation. It’s a different approach which cause the knight to evaluate the best approach of dealing with this reactionary shop owner. After a few minutes, he adds the following to help persuade Linene. “Lady Graywind, we were already committed to the recovery of the goods, thus the reason we sought master Barthen’s assistance first. It’s a shame we knew nothing of your stake in the matter nor the existence of your shop or we might have informed you straight away ourselves. We hope you will pardon the faux pas.”
“But we knew Master Barthen had at one point the means to assist in the goods recovery. (Looking at Barthen and Nosam) I am unsure if those arrangements have been worked out or what the price to use his assistance may be, and here I mean a wagon and pack animals. It is also true that the good man ensured we were well stocked with field rations for several days as we sought Master Gundren’s recovery.”
“A key point I believe we are each attempting is, we can not be sure at this time what goods there are remaining in the goblin cave, but that we are willing to make the attempt to recover as much as possible. If you wish to send a representative to assist in the load out and prioritization of Lionshield Cloister goods, that would be most helpful as I am unsure any of us are logisticians. If you can not spare anyone, perhaps an invoice of what hasn’t been delivered might help ensure we account for your missing cargo properly.”
”We aren’t trying to start a trade war between you and Master Barthen here. I wish to return the stolen goods to the proper owner (adding a little more somberly) or possible compensation to their kin. I am hopeful that between you, Master Barthen, and my companions, we can accomplish this recovery.”
”And it seems you have a head for the numbers. No, I don’t believe you are making an exorbitant living. But neither are we. Master Nosam is correct I am afraid, and the poor dwarf had to be carried out I regret to report. Or was that Vidruth? Either way, Mistress Daphyra makes a very fine point and I would encourage you to see the cost more as an investment. That which you pay us, at least in part, will surely return to your shop as we upgrade our arms and armor. Your endorsement provides us with an incentive to frequent the Lionshield.”
Here he holds hoping that between those that already spoke and himself that progress has been made for a reasonable compensation.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Berry balances each piece of his tower project carefully on top of each other and just attempted a two pronged tower head when Linene nearly toppled the construction. He held his breath for a few seconds when the upper half rotated a quarter circle because of Linene's oblivion. Then, Berry works industriously to compensate the shift in the balance, hoping that he can save the structure from collapsing (Dexterity: 10).
Kiselina enters into the calming chaos that Linene brought among Barthen’s shop. He picks up on Marten’s comments. He stands back for a few minutes and is impressed with Daphyra’s argument. He was forming his own ideas as Nosam interjects his take on the recovery plan and compensation. It’s a different approach which cause the knight to evaluate the best approach of dealing with this reactionary shop owner. After a few minutes, he adds the following to help persuade Linene. “Lady Graywind, we were already committed to the recovery of the goods, thus the reason we sought master Barthen’s assistance first. It’s a shame we knew nothing of your stake in the matter nor the existence of your shop or we might have informed you straight away ourselves. We hope you will pardon the faux pas.”
“But we knew Master Barthen had at one point the means to assist in the goods recovery. (Looking at Barthen and Nosam) I am unsure if those arrangements have been worked out or what the price to use his assistance may be, and here I mean a wagon and pack animals. It is also true that the good man ensured we were well stocked with field rations for several days as we sought Master Gundren’s recovery.”
“A key point I believe we are each attempting is, we can not be sure at this time what goods there are remaining in the goblin cave, but that we are willing to make the attempt to recover as much as possible. If you wish to send a representative to assist in the load out and prioritization of Lionshield Cloister goods, that would be most helpful as I am unsure any of us are logisticians. If you can not spare anyone, perhaps an invoice of what hasn’t been delivered might help ensure we account for your missing cargo properly.”
”We aren’t trying to start a trade war between you and Master Barthen here. I wish to return the stolen goods to the proper owner (adding a little more somberly) or possible compensation to their kin. I am hopeful that between you, Master Barthen, and my companions, we can accomplish this recovery.”
”And it seems you have a head for the numbers. No, I don’t believe you are making an exorbitant living. But neither are we. Master Nosam is correct I am afraid, and the poor dwarf had to be carried out I regret to report. Or was that Vidruth? Either way, Mistress Daphyra makes a very fine point and I would encourage you to see the cost more as an investment. That which you pay us, at least in part, will surely return to your shop as we upgrade our arms and armor. Your endorsement provides us with an incentive to frequent the Lionshield.”
Here he holds hoping that between those that already spoke and himself that progress has been made for a reasonable compensation.
Kiselina May roll a “Help” Persuasion roll to assist Daphyra (I’m bending the rules a bit as this gives Daphyra double advantage.)
vidruth frowns, this discussion of payment is difficult, he is glad the others can manage it, otherwise he would have simply taken the first offer. or more honestly, left the stuff where it was lying and never bothered to offer to fetch it. so its good to be with a band again
Master Nosam is correct I am afraid, and the poor dwarf had to be carried out I regret to report. Or was that Vidruth? Either way, Mistress Daphyra makes a very fine point and I would encourage you to see the cost more as an investment.
"that was me im afraid" he replies "took a few too many arrows to the chest, which is any at all, or in this case roughly three"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
(I rolled Persuasion for Kiselena. The collaborative roll remains 18.)
Linene Graywind, though a match for any person, is perhaps outgunned by Nosam, Daphyra, and Kiselina presenting her with excellent arguments. In time, she uncrosses her arms, the cadence of her voice becomes more conversational, and a discussion ensues between her and Elmar Barthen. She agrees to cover the rental of a wagon and oxen from Barthen, and will pay a 30GP reward to be split among the group, and also reward each of you with 25% off anything bought at her store, up to 25GP of total discount each. A store credit of 150GP off the first 600GP you spend as a group, in other words, or expressed per person, 25GP off the first 100GP spent per person. This, for the delivery of anything intended for the Lionshield Coster by you to her store. This markdown, though not perhaps in exact detail, honors the gist of the bargain Daphyra suggested.
In the meanwhile, a veritable tower of edibles is stacked literally to the roof as Berry employs his wings to reach taller even than Elmar Barthen can reach. Everyone laughs when Barthen first notices this, he makes such a face.
It takes time to manage the arrangements, and for the wagon to be unloaded and readied. Marten does not spot any red-cloaked individuals during this time, although it is still morning. No one is seen entering or leaving the manor on the rise, for the entryway is obscured by trees.
Soon, the time comes when those who will take up the town master’s invitation should head to the town hall. Who is going, and if you are not going, what are your plans instead?
Kiselina is happy that everything worked out with the merchants. As the time ticks away with the discussion of wagons and discounts, the knight stars to drift away from the group. When everyone is focused on the towering goods of Berry’s antics, the Paladin takes the opportunity to nudge Vidruth. “Perhaps it is tea time? Should we head over to see the town master Harbin?”
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As Marten enters Barthen's store, the woman is already speaking. He always tries to steer clear of womenfolk, especially when they're on a tirade of this sort. He enters Barthen's as quietly as he can (stealth 13) and tries to remain out of the woman's sight, shuffling a couple of feet to the side, near the door. Marten glances around and sees Nosam, at least. If he makes eye contact with the dwarf, he simply opens his eyes wide in surprise or perhaps fear at the vehemence of the woman's words.
Marten is quick enough to put together the woman's words with Berry and Nosam's errand at Barthen's. When the woman finally stops speaking, the silence almost seems loud, but maybe that's just the echo of the woman's voice ringing in Marten's head. Trying to catch up, Marten looks to Nosam from his place near the door and asks the dwarf: "So...the stolen goods in the goblins' cave...they belong to this woman?"
Nosam picks up on Berry's suggestion and greets the lady. "Good morning miss, name's Nosam Lightfound, pleased to meet you. And good morning to you as well Mister Marten." Turning to address Marten first and not sharing all he knows, "it appears that way although we never had the chance to inspect and inventory everything as we made a hasty exit, but I'm confident we can be of service and retrieve what is still there." He hopes his attempt to be cheerful, confident, and stern will ease her down a notch or two. He focuses back toward the woman, "I can't help but wonder if you would indeed like our assistance. I heard you mention the Redbrands were not much help, maybe we could have a chat with them and get everyone on the same page. Maybe they confirm what we know of your shipment as well." Nosam sees Berry is still paying attention and hopes the three of them are about to hear details as to how to deal with the Redbrands. "Let me know who to talk to and where to go and I'll gladly help the best I can, you townsfolk have been nothing but supportive of our group since we arrived and it's much appreciated."
Deception- 19 (17+2)
DAPHYRA
“This is Sadia. Sadia, say hello to the priestess.”
The young girl stretches a few degrees so that the top half of her head completely emerges from behind her mother.
“Heh-woh,” she says.
“Pip,” continues the woman, “is the Stonehill boy. You’re staying at the inn? You may have seen him there. You don’t know yet that Sister Garaele teaches the village’s children?”
“Have we seen the Redbrands? Who hasn’t. We pay for their protection whenever it suits them to come calling for tithes. They drink and get into trouble. But the other things people say, I don’t believe them.” She glances furtively left then right, then looks behind her at her daughter and you see fear in her eyes.
“I am teaching her letters. I am pleased to meet you. Tell me when you know about schooling?.”
Unless Daphyra has more to say, Mrs. Al Faina offers a polite goodbye and closes the door.
Kiselina bargains down Mr. Al Faina to 35 gold. The smith scratches his head, nodding, and will accept a 15 GP down payment.
“Who is that?,” Al Faina echoes Kiselina’s question. “Linene Graywind. Runs the Lionshield Coster, down there,” he says, pointing toward the area of the town master’s hall, “on the green. Furnishings, clothing, weapons, armor, other handmade things, she sells.”
He seems unconcerned about Graywind’s tone of voice.
“If you excuse me, I have horseshoes and two dozen nails to cast today.” He turns back to his work.
Vidruth, looking toward Barthen’s Provisions, judges, correctly, that his companions are not in danger – in danger of physical harm, at any rate. However, Vidruth senses that if they, or indeed anyone, crosses this woman, the resulting verbal assault may be bracing indeed.
Berry notices after he has shifted hiding positions that his wingtips might still be exposed.
“Linene. Good morning to you too,” Barthen answers evenly. “Yup, I know this is when you like to do yer accounts and drink your fill o strong tea and work yer numbers an everything else. But since I’m yer friend, I thought you’d wanna hear this right away. These folks here…” he searches in vain for Berry…, “er, well, these fellows here,” he corrects himself, motioning to Nosam and now, Marten, “sez they done took care of the goblins on the Triboar themselves and found stolen goods in their cave.”
“WHAT!?!,” Linene Graywind explodes, but pauses, takes a breath, and when she continues, her voice is almost pleasant, though still with an edge that says the top could blow off at any moment.
“Well, why didn’t you say so, Elmar? I’m standing here thinking you’re calling me over without cause, and meanwhile, this is of very great interest to me. Is it true?,” she demands of Nosam. But before he can answer, she shouts again.
“YOU!,” she continues, her voice pointed at Berry’s wingtips, which she seems to have noticed. She does not seem surprised in the least that someone in the same room is trying to hide from her.
“HEY!, you and these two found supplies in a goblin cave??”
Nosam now makes his very effective offer of help to the woman.
Linene Graywind’s voice once again downshifts to an edgy pleasantness, and she addresses all three of you.
“Redbrands? Fools and hooligans. Deal with them as you wish. They aren’t welcome in my store and they know it.
As for my shipment. You bring anything that’s marked with a blue lion on it – that’s the Lionshields’ mark, a blue lion – bring it back here and I’ll make it worth your time. How does 10 gold each sound?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Berry's head peeks up and he scratches his neck a bit embarrassed by his lack of skill not because he tried hiding. "10 gold pieces for each Lionshield mark?" He asks while playfully rearranging most artistically (to his mind) what is on the table or shelf in front of him (Dexterity check for building a tower from a few items: 16).
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Daphyra nods slowly at the woman. “Uhh sure, I’ll get back to you about the schooling situation when things calm down. Only been here a day and there’s certainly a bit of healing and peace-ing to do.”
“What are the other things people say about the Redbrands?”
She waves at the child. “Hi Sadia. Nice to meet you.”
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
Marten stands in a relaxed slouch near the door. He answers Linene's question while looking mostly over toward Nosam and Berry or else looking approximately the woman's shoes, "Yes, ma'am. We cleared out a whole cave full o' goblins and a bugbear. We were still in a stiff fight when I saw 'em: a bunch o' barrels 'n' crates in one o' the chambers. That were two days ago now, right Nosam? We didn't get a close look, but it must o' been stuff the goblins stole from caravans on the Triboar."
Marten hastens to clarify: "Not just us three, mind you. There are six of us, but I reckon that the others are still o'er at the smithy's. We had a mind to go back to the cave with a wagon, deal with any goblins still at the cave, 'n' bring all o' the stuff back to Phandalin."
"Good question, Berry!", Marten says. He had assumed that she was offering 10 gp to each person in their group, not 10 gp per crate or barrel with her mark. That's why he was careful to clarify that there were six members of their group. He wonders which way of counting would be better for them, but he couldn't say for certain how many boxes or barrels there were in the cave or how many of them bore the Lionshield mark.
Marten is happy either way. With an additional 10 gp each, they could pay their own lodging in Phandalin while they tried to figure out how to rescue Gundren and--quite likely--dealt with the Redcloaks in Phandalin.
Kiselina hands over the bracers with the agreed gold, thanks Al Faina, and turns to Vidruth and Daphyra. However, it’s the first time he notices that Daphyra isn’t in the vicinity. To Vidruth, “Where did Mistress Daphyra get to?” Just as he finished his statement though he sees that she is engaged with a woman and child at a house. Again addressing Vidruth, “Was there anything you needed of the smith? Perhaps we should go see how the others are fairing at Barthen’s? There appears to be quite the commotion down there!”
If possible, the Dragonborn will get Daphyra’s attention and indicate where he is headed. He doesn’t want to interrupt nor frighten the residents.
he gestures wordlessly to the house, just as kiselina notices, then replies to the second question "nothing from the smith, but after we address the redbrands if i still havent gotten a dager i will need to speak with linene greywind about buying one, that is a thing for later however"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
DAPHYRA
In response to the harengon’s reply, Sadia pulls immediately back behind her mother’s skirt but in a moment, she sticks out her little hand in an “O” shape, then moves one eye behind it to continue looking at Daphyra as if through a telescope.
“What do they say about the Redbrands?,” says Mrs Al Faina, repeating Daphyra’s last words, in an undertone. She seems reluctant to continue, but perhaps Daphyra waits patiently until the smith’s wife opens up just a bit.
“You didn’t hear it from me. Please. I have two children. Don’t tell anyone I said it. But people say…,” and she continues in a whisper, “that the Redbrands killed a man. Mr. Thel Dendrar. And kidnapped his wife and children.” Daphyra sees terror in the woman’s eyes as they cling for a moment upon her husband, then on the apprentice – her son, you take it – and last, almost pleasingly, upon Sadia. A long moment later, Mrs. Al Faina’s face hardens and she turns to Daphrya once again.
“But they are just stories. I must see to my daughter. Good morning Sister Daphyra.”
And with that she gently closes the door.
BARTHEN’S PROVISIONS
Linene Graywind is about to answer Berry when Marten echoes the fairy’s question. When Graywind replies, her body is almost completely still, in contrast to the animated open and shut motions of her jaw as she speaks.
“10 Gold for each of 3 people!,” she replies, her eyes flashing angrily. “That makes 30! Total! What, that’s not enough for you?? Do you think I have gold pieces left and right and up and down to be paying every mercenary or beggar who comes trudging through Phandalin with some story of lost treasure trying to get me to buy into their outfit and loan em weapons and armor and everything else?? Do you think that in this one-horse town with the low-wage, low-income, uneducated, uncultured poor folks living here on the edge of civilization – no offense Elmar (“None taken.”) that I am bathing in cut diamonds, ready to part with ‘just one of em’ cuz I have so many! Do you think I’ve run out of creative ways of using them since there’s nothin here to spend em on?? NO. What a question, ‘Ten gold per blue lion marked!’”
This last she directs grumblingly at Berry, literally stirring the air in the room with her puffing, which threatens the balance of the fairy’s jenga-house of stacked provisions (crabapples, we might say). Perhaps surprisingly, her breath, or perhaps even perfume? is unexpectedly sweet, like ginger lemon tea, Marten notices.
Kiselina, Vidruth, and Daphyra — if she wishes — now enter, having heard most of what Linene Graywind just said.
(OOC: An argument for a higher wage may be made using Persuasion.)
(Nosam Bot #1)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Marten blanches at Linene's vehemence and lowers his head so much that the brim obscures most of his face. He's definitely not ready to argue with such a woman. If he didn't think that the group needed the coin, he'd just abandon the project and leave it to Linene to figure out how to recover her goods.
Marten takes the opportunity of Kiselina and the others' entrance to head for the door. As he passes the others near the doorway, he looks up at Kiselina with an expression that brings to mind his face when he was talking possible traps and other dangers ahead on the goblin's trail. He gets quite close and says in a quiet voice (Stealth 26), "Linene Graywind of the Lionshield Coster up the street. She's prob'ly the rightful owner o' the goods back at the goblins' cave." He glances over his should and back into the room and looks back at Vidruth and Kiselina with a somewhat hopeless shrug, "M'ybe y'all could help negotiate our fee for recovering her goods."
Marten then tries to move past the others, out of the increasingly-crowded store and into the street outside. The tense negotiations were making him feel claustrophobic, and he longs to take get back outside and take a deep breath.
If the others don't keep him in Barthen's shop, Marten will find a shady spot near Barthen's, string his bow, and keep watch for any sign of thugs wearing red cloaks. He also looks off toward the east, past Barthen's, to see whether he can catch sight of any buildings in that direction. He thinks that Daphyra said something last night about the Redbrands hanging out there at a "the sleeping giant" and a manor house. (Perception 10)
Daphyra looks sympathetically at the woman. "Thank you for telling me the... uh... stories. And for your welcome in the town. I look forward to being your neighbour."
She waves one of her large ears at Sadia and winks, before returning to the group leaving the smithy as they move off to Barthen's.
As they enter Barthen's, Daphyra hears Marten's introduction. She moves forward to greet the woman.
"Mistress Graywind! It is very good to meet you. I hear you may be the owner of some of the goblins' looted goods. I am Daphyra, Priestess of Bastet, newly come to town to join Sister Garaele at the shrine here. I am working with these fine people to assist those who need it. While we would love to provide our assistance to the cause of justice for free, unfortunately the group still needs to pay for food, lodging, equipment etcetera. Since I'm sure we will be purchasing a number of your no doubt excellent wares, maybe we can come to an arrangement for something a little more... agreeable on both sides?"
"You offered 30 gold for our assistance with the recovery, which is very generous, but that gives no incentive to recover as much as possible. Not that anyone would intentionally leave anything behind of course, but maybe the sweetener could be a discount on purchases from your shop, on top of your retainer. Say, 2% discount for each of the blue lions we bring back? That way if we only bring back a few items, you won't be too much more out of pocket, but it still gives us a boost to choosing to spend your coin back at your shop."
(Persuasion roll 5 plus 1 guidance. Anyone want to Help with the persuasion by lending their voice?)
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
Nosam a bit frustrated with the stinginess tries to explain his issue with her story. "To be fair it doesn't look like you have another option or you would have already retrieved your belongings. It'd be one thing if it was a "simple" task, but I'm sorry ma'am, the cave we were in was far from a walk in the park. Will you or will you not pay?"
Persuasion- 10, can Intimidation apply? If so, Intimidation- 18 (16+2)
(Daphyra can roll with advantage due to her convincing argument!)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Kiselina enters into the calming chaos that Linene brought among Barthen’s shop. He picks up on Marten’s comments. He stands back for a few minutes and is impressed with Daphyra’s argument. He was forming his own ideas as Nosam interjects his take on the recovery plan and compensation. It’s a different approach which cause the knight to evaluate the best approach of dealing with this reactionary shop owner.
After a few minutes, he adds the following to help persuade Linene. “Lady Graywind, we were already committed to the recovery of the goods, thus the reason we sought master Barthen’s assistance first. It’s a shame we knew nothing of your stake in the matter nor the existence of your shop or we might have informed you straight away ourselves. We hope you will pardon the faux pas.”
“But we knew Master Barthen had at one point the means to assist in the goods recovery. (Looking at Barthen and Nosam) I am unsure if those arrangements have been worked out or what the price to use his assistance may be, and here I mean a wagon and pack animals. It is also true that the good man ensured we were well stocked with field rations for several days as we sought Master Gundren’s recovery.”
“A key point I believe we are each attempting is, we can not be sure at this time what goods there are remaining in the goblin cave, but that we are willing to make the attempt to recover as much as possible. If you wish to send a representative to assist in the load out and prioritization of Lionshield Cloister goods, that would be most helpful as I am unsure any of us are logisticians. If you can not spare anyone, perhaps an invoice of what hasn’t been delivered might help ensure we account for your missing cargo properly.”
”We aren’t trying to start a trade war between you and Master Barthen here. I wish to return the stolen goods to the proper owner (adding a little more somberly) or possible compensation to their kin. I am hopeful that between you, Master Barthen, and my companions, we can accomplish this recovery.”
”And it seems you have a head for the numbers. No, I don’t believe you are making an exorbitant living. But neither are we. Master Nosam is correct I am afraid, and the poor dwarf had to be carried out I regret to report. Or was that Vidruth? Either way, Mistress Daphyra makes a very fine point and I would encourage you to see the cost more as an investment. That which you pay us, at least in part, will surely return to your shop as we upgrade our arms and armor. Your endorsement provides us with an incentive to frequent the Lionshield.”
Here he holds hoping that between those that already spoke and himself that progress has been made for a reasonable compensation.
Berry balances each piece of his tower project carefully on top of each other and just attempted a two pronged tower head when Linene nearly toppled the construction. He held his breath for a few seconds when the upper half rotated a quarter circle because of Linene's oblivion. Then, Berry works industriously to compensate the shift in the balance, hoping that he can save the structure from collapsing (Dexterity: 10).
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
(Hooray! Persuasion 17 + 1 guidance = 18)
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
Kiselina May roll a “Help” Persuasion roll to assist Daphyra (I’m bending the rules a bit as this gives Daphyra double advantage.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
vidruth frowns, this discussion of payment is difficult, he is glad the others can manage it, otherwise he would have simply taken the first offer. or more honestly, left the stuff where it was lying and never bothered to offer to fetch it. so its good to be with a band again
"that was me im afraid" he replies "took a few too many arrows to the chest, which is any at all, or in this case roughly three"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
(I rolled Persuasion for Kiselena. The collaborative roll remains 18.)
Linene Graywind, though a match for any person, is perhaps outgunned by Nosam, Daphyra, and Kiselina presenting her with excellent arguments. In time, she uncrosses her arms, the cadence of her voice becomes more conversational, and a discussion ensues between her and Elmar Barthen. She agrees to cover the rental of a wagon and oxen from Barthen, and will pay a 30GP reward to be split among the group, and also reward each of you with 25% off anything bought at her store, up to 25GP of total discount each. A store credit of 150GP off the first 600GP you spend as a group, in other words, or expressed per person, 25GP off the first 100GP spent per person. This, for the delivery of anything intended for the Lionshield Coster by you to her store. This markdown, though not perhaps in exact detail, honors the gist of the bargain Daphyra suggested.
In the meanwhile, a veritable tower of edibles is stacked literally to the roof as Berry employs his wings to reach taller even than Elmar Barthen can reach. Everyone laughs when Barthen first notices this, he makes such a face.
It takes time to manage the arrangements, and for the wagon to be unloaded and readied. Marten does not spot any red-cloaked individuals during this time, although it is still morning. No one is seen entering or leaving the manor on the rise, for the entryway is obscured by trees.
Soon, the time comes when those who will take up the town master’s invitation should head to the town hall. Who is going, and if you are not going, what are your plans instead?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Kiselina is happy that everything worked out with the merchants. As the time ticks away with the discussion of wagons and discounts, the knight stars to drift away from the group. When everyone is focused on the towering goods of Berry’s antics, the Paladin takes the opportunity to nudge Vidruth. “Perhaps it is tea time? Should we head over to see the town master Harbin?”