Preparations are made for travel. The dwarves are able to fashion a few small carts for the trip. The dragon skull occupies one and the owlbear another. The carts are made to be sturdy because the rest have heavy sacks of coins loading them. Half a dozen of the dwarves remain in the mountain to continue their work. The defense door at the entry tunnel is closed and barred from within. Cleggor, his brothers and another 8 dwarves accompany you on the trip to Shalecliff. Two of the dwarves remaining are skilled in leather work. They are setting about to drying and curing the hide of the dragon.
The trip to Shalecliff is a few days. Traveling out of the mountains is easier than the trip in. Nothing exciting occurs during the trip. This was a welcome respite from the seeming series of troubles the dwarves have experienced. All of them are on edge due to the precious cargo being transported. The walls of Shalecliff are a welcome sight in the afternoon of the fourth day. Rooms are procured at the Hallowed Tree Inn. The innkeeper is welcoming, even to Starker. Though he seems happier to see the rest of you.
Jotrun's is waiting. He has something special in the oven tonight. Either that or your weeks on the trail make the thought of a well-cooked meal that much more appetizing.
Starker, after settling into his room (preferably the one he had helped unlock):” I am off to discuss the ring, the presence therein, and the talisman with my senior colleague Arnak Binabintarfar if he is in his tower. Would anyone care accompany me? Kragen and Trokarl, either or both of you may find it particularly edifying. I will also see if I can buy some materials needed for inscribing new spells into my spell book.”
I’d be delighted to join you and absorb all the knowledge! Thank you for inviting me along. If you believe Arnak would find it suitable, I’ll ask Gumby to accompany us. He’s quite helpful, and we can ask him to fetch snacks or supplies from around town if needed.
Starker, melodiously:”Weeee’re of to see the Wizard! Let me send a note around to see when he might be available.
“Kind Host: would you send one of your staff over to Arnak’s tower with this note? There’s a silver for your trouble to split with the messenger however best you see fit.”
writes note:”Colleague Arnak, I am returned with many an interesting incident to relate and a few fascinating items. I would value a few moments of your time. Please let this messenger know when a visit from me and a companion or two might be convenient. Cordially, Starker”
The Innkeeper looks at Starker with a combination of amazement, and as if he smelled something off in the pantry. He declines the note, and the silver while responding, "You can save your coin and trouble. He and Hanny are almost certainly at Jotrun's by now. There is some kind of special event tonight. Be there early if you want a seat." He then goes back to cleaning his counter in the main room.
Starker will head over to Jotrun’s with ring and talisman in backpack
“Trokarl, I expect this evening will not be the time for the scholarly discussion for which I was hoping, but perhaps we can make an appointment if we should see him tonight.”
Gneuman: "I'm not sure if they will be serving any food to your liking, Ajax. I will bring along a small sack of snozzberries, in case you get hungry. "
Hoid proceeds to Jotrun's and is greeted readily by Jotrun himself, "Welcome back to Shalecliff, Hoid. I heard that The Company returned. There is talk of you having another dragon's head with you! You are certainly making a name for yourselves in that way." He looks about the already busy room with a small frown. It appears to be overly full already. He gestures to the corner by the fireplace and one of the serving women meets the two of you there. A small table is free and suddenly chairs start to arrive from other places in the tavern by the women. A place for six is made ready. At a nearby table you see Arnak and Hanny sitting with a human man dressed in fine clothes, likely a merchant or another wizard. The room is filled with folks that appear be local, humans mostly. A few elves are seen in the crowd. Even a drow elf dressed in fine silks is sitting at the bar with a tankard in his hand. There are a few dwarves sitting with the Stonejaw brothers across the room. Cleggor and Magnar raise their tankards to Hoid and point to the table for the serving women. Shortly after, drinks and food start to arrive. The ale is wonderful. Chadwick takes a drink, then another and finally a long draught. He cannot believe it to be true, you are drinking Monstordrink Mist. Ale from his hometown that is renowned across the Sword Coast. A large bowl of stew with pork, potatoes, carrots and bitter greens arrives next with crusty sourdough bread. A bowl of grapes and dried fruits also arrives and is set before Starker to Cyrus' delight.
Starker heads over to Arnak and says in a tumble of rehearsed words:”Dear Colleague, pray excuse the interruption. Since last we spoke I’ve seen and done many things. We believe we have located Illiiandal’s lair, and I have a few items I would value your opinion on before I inreract with them further. Might you have some time for me to stop by and consult with you?
”Also, I have a scroll I’d like to transcribe into my spell book ans a desire to make a copy of my spellbook against the possibility that my book is somehow lost. Do you know where I might buy the materials?
”Finally, may I ask an enormous favor, namely that I be allowed to leave the spare spellbook in your safekeeping?”
Arnak, Hanny and the unknown person all greet Starker upon his approach to the table. "Greeting, Starker," Hanny says cheerily. Arnak gives a more reserved nod of the head as he smokes his ornate pipe. The unknown person sets his cup down and turns to Starker. Shortly into his prepared remarks Arnak begins to cough loudly, perhaps overly loudly, at the mention of Illiandil. Hanny raises his crystal goblet of wine to his lips with both eyebrows raised. The unknown person has an appraising look cross his face. Arnak recovers and says quietly, "Perhaps this is a conversation best suited for more...quiet...surroundings?" Hanny nods in agreement, "Why don't we meet tomorrow at Noon? Come to the tower. We will be expecting you." The stranger keeps his eyes on Starker the entire time. His gaze is not hostile, but, not friendly either.
Kragen enters Jotruns, refreshed from his time spent at the temple. looks around and eyes his companions. He takes an odd route, stopping to give a hearty greeting to Jotrun, then slaps the Stonejaws on the back “good to see you Brothers!”, the to the table with Hanny and Arnak, “Master Hanny, Mage Arnak, hope all finds you well!” Smiles fondly at Hanney, a less familiar smile for Arnak. “Hopefully Starker isn’t boring you too much?!” Smirks at Starker and Then joins his companions for some libations and good food.
”What’s all the bluster about tonight, any idea??” Looking at Hoid, Chadwick and Gnueman.
Hoid responds to Jotrun’s, “Why yes we do. This one is a wee bit bigger than the last. ‘Twas a mature shadow dragon—a rather impolite one too. Jumped us while we were trying to get rid of wraiths or whatnot. But I won’t bore you with the details. The dragon’s hoard had a fine stuffed owlbear. Knowing your appreciation for quality taxidermy, I immediately thought of you. I hope you have a place for it.”
Hanny and Arnak are taken aback by Starker's intrusion. The Stranger takes it with more aplomb, "I am Eldarien of Neverwinter." He introduces himself with a nod. His eye catches Starker's not so subtle assessment of mind flayer eye socket aperture dimensions and turns a bit towards him, "Who might you be, Traveller of Many Needs?" Hanny stifles a small laugh and Arnak looks on intently with pipe in mouth.
Jotrun looks about the place, "Place is a bit tight, currently. Business has been increasing lately. With the bandits removed from the trade road we are becoming a regular stop for traders between Mirabar and Luskan. I've been thinking about expanding. Can't decide whether up or out though." He scratches his beard a moment, "But, that sounds like a fine addition. Let's have a look at it tomorrow."
You all also notice that Ajax is different. He has been for the past several days now. His eyes are lest lustrous and his scales have paled a bit. He is also less active and has been spending more time curled about Gneuman's neck. The two of them seem to be having a quiet conversation.
From the bar you hear the first notes of a flute start to play. The drow elf seems to be playing haphazardly on his flute. After a few minutes you begin to pick out a rhythm scheme with his notes. He then begins to interchange notes from his lute and the flute that are at once complimentary and discordant. This builds until he abandons the flute and the lute and solely plays a violin, building a rhythm. He then sings, his voice a lilting wail. It growls and rises with the cadence of the song.....
When our weary world was young The struggle of the ancients first began The gods of Love and Reason Sought alone to rule the fate of Man
They battled through the ages But still neither force would yield The people were divided, Every soul a battlefield…
The patrons of Jotrun's cheer for the bard as he continues his song of warring deities and struggling mortals. A hero emerges and journeys off to find the gods, and to seek balance. The rest of the crowd listens well. Even Arnak can be seen to keeping the beat with his finger on the table.
The bard is introduced as Xymox of the Silver Strings in between songs by Jotrun. He plays several more songs and then makes his way to the opposite side of the tavern. Twinkling lights begin to wink in and out above your heads as his gaze rests upon you. "I have a new ballad to perform tonight for The Company, Heroes of Shalecliff...."
"Good patrons of this fine establishment!" The Bard yells over the cheers of the crowd. "I see that the guests of honor have all made their way now to Jotrun's!" He sets his flute aside as walks over to a small case, pulling out a violin made of a very dark, almost black wood. "Gather 'round! If by chance you haven't heard of our world famous...or some would say, infamous (looks at Starker) heroes, known as The Company, let me be your guide!"
The room settles a bit, as the Drow starts to pull the bow across the strings. His voice, barely more than a whisper.
He begins to play...
🎵 "The Ballad of the Company" 🎵
By the Silver Strings of Bard Xymox Xel' Mizzrym
(Verse 1)
In the shadow of mountain and shimmer of star,
There rides a bold fellowship, famed near and far.
Through fire and ruin, with laughter and blade,
They carve out their legend, their fortune, their fate.
(Chorus)
Raise your cups, oh travelers, lend me your ear,
For the tales of The Company echo clear!
With hammer and spell, with fist and flame,
They fight for the realm and eternal fame!
(Verse 2)
Old Kragen, the cleric, with beard thick and wide,
Wields light like a hammer, with Tyr’s pride.
His prayers shake the heavens, his shield does not yield,
He heals with a word, and breaks bones in the field.
(Verse 3)
And Hoid, his stout brother, a warrior bold,
With axes like thunder and courage like gold.
He laughs in the face of the ogre’s great roar,
Then cleaves it in twain—blood sprays on the floor!
(Chorus)
Raise your cups, oh wanderers, lend me your ear,
For the deeds of The Company echo clear!
From dungeon to tower, they never shall fall,
They stand back to back, they conquer it all!
(Verse 4)
Here’s Trolkarl, the warlock, with pact dark and deep,
Whispers with demons, yet secrets he keeps.
With eyes like a stormcloud and heart made of flame,
He bends fate and fire with barely a name.
(Verse 5)
And Starker, the wizard, all knowledge and flair,
His robes are too clean for a goblin’s lair.
But beware his illusions, his ice and his flame—
And don’t taunt his monkey, you’ll never be the same.
(Bridge)
Oh that Murder Monkey, with eyes full of spite,
It screeches and stabs in the dead of the night.
A blade in one hand, a banana in two—
It’s got more confirmed kills than the whole bloody crew!
(Verse 6)
Now Chadwick the paladin, perfect and proud,
With armor that gleams and voice ringing loud.
He smites with the light, with justice ablaze,
And blesses your ale if you ask him real nice.
(Verse 7)
Last, Gneuman the monk, so tiny, so spry,
He’ll punch out a troll and not blink an eye.
He flips, kicks, and dances like wind through the trees,
And rides on his dragon, the size of a sneeze.
(Verse 8)
That Fae Dragon sparkles, with wings all aglow,
It sneezes out glitter—then burns down your foe.
Together they tumble through traps and through strife,
The gnome and the wyrmling, partners for life.
(Final Chorus)
So raise up your tankards and give them their due,
This tale of the brave, this wild-hearted crew.
Through realms cursed and dark, they carve destiny—
All grow quiet as Xymox begins his introduction. There are smiles and cheers for The Company, as well as a few furtive looks. The bard's song rings out and all keep the beat. A roar of laughter erupts as Cyrus' kills are counted. At the conclusion, all cheer and raise tankards to all of you and to the bard. A tankard is brought to him to slake his thirst after singing so mightily. He stands across the room as others laud him and place coins into his pouch on the table.
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Preparations are made for travel. The dwarves are able to fashion a few small carts for the trip. The dragon skull occupies one and the owlbear another. The carts are made to be sturdy because the rest have heavy sacks of coins loading them. Half a dozen of the dwarves remain in the mountain to continue their work. The defense door at the entry tunnel is closed and barred from within. Cleggor, his brothers and another 8 dwarves accompany you on the trip to Shalecliff. Two of the dwarves remaining are skilled in leather work. They are setting about to drying and curing the hide of the dragon.
The trip to Shalecliff is a few days. Traveling out of the mountains is easier than the trip in. Nothing exciting occurs during the trip. This was a welcome respite from the seeming series of troubles the dwarves have experienced. All of them are on edge due to the precious cargo being transported. The walls of Shalecliff are a welcome sight in the afternoon of the fourth day. Rooms are procured at the Hallowed Tree Inn. The innkeeper is welcoming, even to Starker. Though he seems happier to see the rest of you.
Jotrun's is waiting. He has something special in the oven tonight. Either that or your weeks on the trail make the thought of a well-cooked meal that much more appetizing.
Starker, after settling into his room (preferably the one he had helped unlock):” I am off to discuss the ring, the presence therein, and the talisman with my senior colleague Arnak Binabintarfar if he is in his tower. Would anyone care accompany me? Kragen and Trokarl, either or both of you may find it particularly edifying. I will also see if I can buy some materials needed for inscribing new spells into my spell book.”
I’d be delighted to join you and absorb all the knowledge! Thank you for inviting me along. If you believe Arnak would find it suitable, I’ll ask Gumby to accompany us. He’s quite helpful, and we can ask him to fetch snacks or supplies from around town if needed.
Starker, melodiously:”Weeee’re of to see the Wizard! Let me send a note around to see when he might be available.
“Kind Host: would you send one of your staff over to Arnak’s tower with this note? There’s a silver for your trouble to split with the messenger however best you see fit.”
writes note:”Colleague Arnak, I am returned with many an interesting incident to relate and a few fascinating items. I would value a few moments of your time. Please let this messenger know when a visit from me and a companion or two might be convenient. Cordially, Starker”
The Innkeeper looks at Starker with a combination of amazement, and as if he smelled something off in the pantry. He declines the note, and the silver while responding, "You can save your coin and trouble. He and Hanny are almost certainly at Jotrun's by now. There is some kind of special event tonight. Be there early if you want a seat." He then goes back to cleaning his counter in the main room.
“Thank you mage Starker, however I must see to affairs at the temple and ensure Tyr continues to favor The Company.” Nods with a smile at Starker.
turns then heads off, looking forward to Jotruns this evening.
Hoid heads to Jotrun’s immediately to find a table. After finding a table, he will get Jotrun’s attention and discuss the owlbear and dragon skull.
Starker will head over to Jotrun’s with ring and talisman in backpack
“Trokarl, I expect this evening will not be the time for the scholarly discussion for which I was hoping, but perhaps we can make an appointment if we should see him tonight.”
Gneuman and Ajax head over to Jotrun's.
Gneuman: "I'm not sure if they will be serving any food to your liking, Ajax. I will bring along a small sack of snozzberries, in case you get hungry. "
Hoid proceeds to Jotrun's and is greeted readily by Jotrun himself, "Welcome back to Shalecliff, Hoid. I heard that The Company returned. There is talk of you having another dragon's head with you! You are certainly making a name for yourselves in that way." He looks about the already busy room with a small frown. It appears to be overly full already. He gestures to the corner by the fireplace and one of the serving women meets the two of you there. A small table is free and suddenly chairs start to arrive from other places in the tavern by the women. A place for six is made ready. At a nearby table you see Arnak and Hanny sitting with a human man dressed in fine clothes, likely a merchant or another wizard. The room is filled with folks that appear be local, humans mostly. A few elves are seen in the crowd. Even a drow elf dressed in fine silks is sitting at the bar with a tankard in his hand. There are a few dwarves sitting with the Stonejaw brothers across the room. Cleggor and Magnar raise their tankards to Hoid and point to the table for the serving women. Shortly after, drinks and food start to arrive. The ale is wonderful. Chadwick takes a drink, then another and finally a long draught. He cannot believe it to be true, you are drinking Monstordrink Mist. Ale from his hometown that is renowned across the Sword Coast. A large bowl of stew with pork, potatoes, carrots and bitter greens arrives next with crusty sourdough bread. A bowl of grapes and dried fruits also arrives and is set before Starker to Cyrus' delight.
Starker heads over to Arnak and says in a tumble of rehearsed words:”Dear Colleague, pray excuse the interruption. Since last we spoke I’ve seen and done many things. We believe we have located Illiiandal’s lair, and I have a few items I would value your opinion on before I inreract with them further. Might you have some time for me to stop by and consult with you?
”Also, I have a scroll I’d like to transcribe into my spell book ans a desire to make a copy of my spellbook against the possibility that my book is somehow lost. Do you know where I might buy the materials?
”Finally, may I ask an enormous favor, namely that I be allowed to leave the spare spellbook in your safekeeping?”
Arnak, Hanny and the unknown person all greet Starker upon his approach to the table. "Greeting, Starker," Hanny says cheerily. Arnak gives a more reserved nod of the head as he smokes his ornate pipe. The unknown person sets his cup down and turns to Starker. Shortly into his prepared remarks Arnak begins to cough loudly, perhaps overly loudly, at the mention of Illiandil. Hanny raises his crystal goblet of wine to his lips with both eyebrows raised. The unknown person has an appraising look cross his face. Arnak recovers and says quietly, "Perhaps this is a conversation best suited for more...quiet...surroundings?" Hanny nods in agreement, "Why don't we meet tomorrow at Noon? Come to the tower. We will be expecting you." The stranger keeps his eyes on Starker the entire time. His gaze is not hostile, but, not friendly either.
Starker:”Certainly. I will bring a companion or two, if I may.
“Arnak, Hanny, may I be introduced to your companion?”
Kragen enters Jotruns, refreshed from his time spent at the temple. looks around and eyes his companions. He takes an odd route, stopping to give a hearty greeting to Jotrun, then slaps the Stonejaws on the back “good to see you Brothers!”, the to the table with Hanny and Arnak, “Master Hanny, Mage Arnak, hope all finds you well!” Smiles fondly at Hanney, a less familiar smile for Arnak. “Hopefully Starker isn’t boring you too much?!” Smirks at Starker and Then joins his companions for some libations and good food.
”What’s all the bluster about tonight, any idea??” Looking at Hoid, Chadwick and Gnueman.
Starker, to himself, confused: ”boring??? Edifying, educating, annoying or infuriating, maybe, but ‘boring’? I am never boring.”
Hoid responds to Jotrun’s, “Why yes we do. This one is a wee bit bigger than the last. ‘Twas a mature shadow dragon—a rather impolite one too. Jumped us while we were trying to get rid of wraiths or whatnot. But I won’t bore you with the details. The dragon’s hoard had a fine stuffed owlbear. Knowing your appreciation for quality taxidermy, I immediately thought of you. I hope you have a place for it.”
Hanny and Arnak are taken aback by Starker's intrusion. The Stranger takes it with more aplomb, "I am Eldarien of Neverwinter." He introduces himself with a nod. His eye catches Starker's not so subtle assessment of mind flayer eye socket aperture dimensions and turns a bit towards him, "Who might you be, Traveller of Many Needs?" Hanny stifles a small laugh and Arnak looks on intently with pipe in mouth.
Jotrun looks about the place, "Place is a bit tight, currently. Business has been increasing lately. With the bandits removed from the trade road we are becoming a regular stop for traders between Mirabar and Luskan. I've been thinking about expanding. Can't decide whether up or out though." He scratches his beard a moment, "But, that sounds like a fine addition. Let's have a look at it tomorrow."
You all also notice that Ajax is different. He has been for the past several days now. His eyes are lest lustrous and his scales have paled a bit. He is also less active and has been spending more time curled about Gneuman's neck. The two of them seem to be having a quiet conversation.
From the bar you hear the first notes of a flute start to play. The drow elf seems to be playing haphazardly on his flute. After a few minutes you begin to pick out a rhythm scheme with his notes. He then begins to interchange notes from his lute and the flute that are at once complimentary and discordant. This builds until he abandons the flute and the lute and solely plays a violin, building a rhythm. He then sings, his voice a lilting wail. It growls and rises with the cadence of the song.....
When our weary world was young
The struggle of the ancients first began
The gods of Love and Reason
Sought alone to rule the fate of Man
They battled through the ages
But still neither force would yield
The people were divided,
Every soul a battlefield…
The patrons of Jotrun's cheer for the bard as he continues his song of warring deities and struggling mortals. A hero emerges and journeys off to find the gods, and to seek balance. The rest of the crowd listens well. Even Arnak can be seen to keeping the beat with his finger on the table.
The bard is introduced as Xymox of the Silver Strings in between songs by Jotrun. He plays several more songs and then makes his way to the opposite side of the tavern. Twinkling lights begin to wink in and out above your heads as his gaze rests upon you. "I have a new ballad to perform tonight for The Company, Heroes of Shalecliff...."
"Good patrons of this fine establishment!" The Bard yells over the cheers of the crowd. "I see that the guests of honor have all made their way now to Jotrun's!" He sets his flute aside as walks over to a small case, pulling out a violin made of a very dark, almost black wood. "Gather 'round! If by chance you haven't heard of our world famous...or some would say, infamous (looks at Starker) heroes, known as The Company, let me be your guide!"
The room settles a bit, as the Drow starts to pull the bow across the strings. His voice, barely more than a whisper.
He begins to play...
🎵 "The Ballad of the Company" 🎵
By the Silver Strings of Bard Xymox Xel' Mizzrym
(Verse 1)
In the shadow of mountain and shimmer of star,
There rides a bold fellowship, famed near and far.
Through fire and ruin, with laughter and blade,
They carve out their legend, their fortune, their fate.
(Chorus)
Raise your cups, oh travelers, lend me your ear,
For the tales of The Company echo clear!
With hammer and spell, with fist and flame,
They fight for the realm and eternal fame!
(Verse 2)
Old Kragen, the cleric, with beard thick and wide,
Wields light like a hammer, with Tyr’s pride.
His prayers shake the heavens, his shield does not yield,
He heals with a word, and breaks bones in the field.
(Verse 3)
And Hoid, his stout brother, a warrior bold,
With axes like thunder and courage like gold.
He laughs in the face of the ogre’s great roar,
Then cleaves it in twain—blood sprays on the floor!
(Chorus)
Raise your cups, oh wanderers, lend me your ear,
For the deeds of The Company echo clear!
From dungeon to tower, they never shall fall,
They stand back to back, they conquer it all!
(Verse 4)
Here’s Trolkarl, the warlock, with pact dark and deep,
Whispers with demons, yet secrets he keeps.
With eyes like a stormcloud and heart made of flame,
He bends fate and fire with barely a name.
(Verse 5)
And Starker, the wizard, all knowledge and flair,
His robes are too clean for a goblin’s lair.
But beware his illusions, his ice and his flame—
And don’t taunt his monkey, you’ll never be the same.
(Bridge)
Oh that Murder Monkey, with eyes full of spite,
It screeches and stabs in the dead of the night.
A blade in one hand, a banana in two—
It’s got more confirmed kills than the whole bloody crew!
(Verse 6)
Now Chadwick the paladin, perfect and proud,
With armor that gleams and voice ringing loud.
He smites with the light, with justice ablaze,
And blesses your ale if you ask him real nice.
(Verse 7)
Last, Gneuman the monk, so tiny, so spry,
He’ll punch out a troll and not blink an eye.
He flips, kicks, and dances like wind through the trees,
And rides on his dragon, the size of a sneeze.
(Verse 8)
That Fae Dragon sparkles, with wings all aglow,
It sneezes out glitter—then burns down your foe.
Together they tumble through traps and through strife,
The gnome and the wyrmling, partners for life.
(Final Chorus)
So raise up your tankards and give them their due,
This tale of the brave, this wild-hearted crew.
Through realms cursed and dark, they carve destiny—
Glory and laughter… for The Company!
(Outro Spoken, Bard-Style)
So if ever you’re lost, and danger draws near,
Just whisper their names and banish your fear.
For wherever there's evil and coin to be won…
The Company comes with the rise of the sun
All grow quiet as Xymox begins his introduction. There are smiles and cheers for The Company, as well as a few furtive looks. The bard's song rings out and all keep the beat. A roar of laughter erupts as Cyrus' kills are counted. At the conclusion, all cheer and raise tankards to all of you and to the bard. A tankard is brought to him to slake his thirst after singing so mightily. He stands across the room as others laud him and place coins into his pouch on the table.