As Kragen returns, Xymox looks over his belongings, ensuring that everything is stowed and in its proper place.
As the others gather for departure, he starts to hum softly, then speaks at barely a whisper. Only those nearby could hear.
"The Company Departs" by Xymox Xel' Mizzrym, Silken-Tongued Chronicler of Deeds Most Daring
The tankards are dry, the songs all sung, Shalecliff’s echoes still warm on the tongue. With boots still sticky from spilled delight, The Company rides at the break of light.
From Jutrun’s Inn where the rafters shook, To tales they etched in the tavern’s book, They laughed, they drank, they roared, they swayed— And maybe one cleric briefly prayed.
Now south and east, with blades to bare, For Everlund’s call hums in the air. Past Monstordrink, where beasts may bite— They go not for gold, but to set wrongs right.
So raise your cups to the fading sound, Of heroes bold and honor-bound. May steel stay true, may spirits burn— And may The Company always return.
The drow then pulls out his twin hand-cross bows and straps one to each thigh. Twin scimitars are strapped to his back, underneath his ever-present violin. He pulls his black/blue cloak about his shoulders, over what appear to be, an ordinary traveler's tunic. He then waits for the signal to depart.
Trolkarl smiles, listening to the Xymox. Despite my doubts about this drow, we can’t deny his talent. He approaches Chadwick for a private word
Chad, I’m not sure if you’re comfortable with anyone else reading your letter or sharing more of its contents. I’m wondering if there might be some specific details that someone, perhaps Starker, could find useful. Not wanting to barge into your affairs, but another eye may perceive details that could aid our approach.
Chadwick reddens a bit, then says; "My ma tends to go on a bit so no need to read the whole thing. The important part was my pa had a bad dream about a wall of black water sweeping down the mountain and washing Monstordrink away.
I would have thought it was just a dream until the MonstorDrink ale was contaminated with narcotic energy, so I figured something bad is about to happen. The letter is six weeks old, so I'm worried it may have already occured."
Chadwick slumps in his saddle staring ahead not really looking at anything. Then he scratches Freya's ears and chats with her a bit. At least you assume he is since you can't hear her side. After a bit Chadwick sits up straighter with the normal gleam back in his eye.
"Freya is right, there is no way that Tyr would allow such a thing to happen. My folks must be safe, and we will prevent whatever evil plans are being made from happening."
Chadwick and Freya then begin practicing some cantering and fancy trotting.
Starker to Xymix:”I’m mostly going to support Chadwick. Next in order is gold, so I would not say ‘not for gold’ but rather ‘not exclusively for gold, though gold is very very important at least to Starker, who needs it to become more powerful and to fulflill his dreams of instantiating mutual annihilation of two opposed sentient beings in order to create a world changing cataclysmic explosion.’
”Accuracy is more important than counting syllabic feet.”
Starker to Xymix:”I’m mostly going to support Chadwick. Next in order is gold, so I would not say ‘not for gold’ but rather ‘not exclusively for gold, though gold is very very important at least to Starker, who needs it to become more powerful and to fulflill his dreams of instantiating mutual annihilation of two opposed sentient beings in order to create a world changing cataclysmic explosion.’
”Accuracy is more important than counting syllabic feet.”
"That's nice." (Xymox smiles pleasantly at Starker, as if complimenting a child’s finger painting.) He then leans slightly toward Trolkarl, voice low and amused: "He has… a certain charm, doesn’t he? Like a book that’s been dropped in a pond — still readable, just a bit warped."
Starker to Xymix:”I’m mostly going to support Chadwick. Next in order is gold, so I would not say ‘not for gold’ but rather ‘not exclusively for gold, though gold is very very important at least to Starker, who needs it to become more powerful and to fulflill his dreams of instantiating mutual annihilation of two opposed sentient beings in order to create a world changing cataclysmic explosion.’
”Accuracy is more important than counting syllabic feet.”
Kragen glowers at Starker, with brows furrowed. It would look menacing however, unbeknownst to Kragen, the Glasses of Eagle Eyes obscure his eyes and brows so it just looks like he is staring.
Then nods emphatically at hearing the Drow's comment about warped books.
Looking to Chadwick "Shall we be on our way Sir Chadwick?"
“Drow, your AI generated songs may gain the favor of the ruler of the universe, but we are not so easily impressed. Starker has proven his worth. Those of your ilk have proven … lacking in our past interactions. Perhaps it is a bit too soon for your snide remarks.”
Starker:”I am thus a catalyst of interspecies amity! Who would have predicted the emergence of such an attribute.
”Off we go to test Chadwick’s hypothesis regarding Tyr’s power and benevolence.” <Mounts Raspy>
(Or is this one Raspy II (Raspy, The Heretic)? I have lost track of which of Starkee’s animal companions are dead, and which are merely pining for the fjords.)
“Drow, your AI generated songs may gain the favor of the ruler of the universe, but we are not so easily impressed. Starker has proven his worth. Those of your ilk have proven … lacking in our past interactions. Perhaps it is a bit too soon for your snide remarks.”
Unsure of how to respond. Trolkarl considers Chadwick’s words.
Thank you for sharing that information. I know that isn’t easy to speak such things aloud.
I know little of omens and dreams. But those details may be useful.
What I do know of dreams is they may only be warning- not what has already occurred. And you have seen a potential warning and decided to act. If trouble stirs in Monstordrink there is no better hope than to have Tyr’s champion riding to meet it.
I thought we were already on the road when I posted my last comment, but apparently there was some confusion on that. So if everyone is ready (which it seems we are) The Company heads out.
Hanny offers you the names of dealers in Mirabar where you should have better luck selling your valuable items. "They will be able to offer you higher prices there than I can, unfortunately," he tells you. "You should be able to sell all of the items you gained from the mountain of Deep Wave Mine and avoid the predation of allegedly 'Rando' white, or any other color, dragons," he says with a smile.
The first leg of your journey to Monstordrink is through Mirabar. The Stonejaws and a few other merchants are traveling there as well as welcome you into their caravan. Although the road is relatively safe, greater numbers is greater safety. Your trip is fairly uneventful and you arrive on the second day. Rest was hard to achieve on your camp night for some reason. All of you look forward to a comfortable inn and a hot meal.
The city of Mirabar is a cooperative enclave of humans and dwarves primarily. The dwarves work the mines below and in the Spine of the World. Quarries outside of the city export cut stone as far as Waterdeep. Starker is familiar with Mirabar Granite used for construction in the City of Splendors. The roads here become much better as you get closer to the city. Crushed stone from the mines is used as gravel for the roads and supplemented year round to make a high quality road to travel upon. The sloped walls of the city surround the low buildings on the north shore of the Mirar River. The Stonejaws describe the layout of the city with you and prominent inns and taverns. Hanny's connections are easily found as well.
<During the journey Starker spends downtime laboriously copying spells into a backup spellbook.>
Starker, around the campfire one night:”Colleagues, as you know a spell book is sine qua non for a wizard and is by far his most important posession. Our experiences over the past few months have made me fearful of losing a spellbook to some vile creature during our adventures. Thus, I have decided to make a copy. It will take quite a while and has cost a great deal of treasure but I think it wise. My only question is what to do with the copy once made. Clearly, it would defeat the purpose if I were to merely carry it alongside the original. I would welcome any suggestions. I, for one, wonder if it is time for The Company or several members thereof to pick a location for a permanent base. Our exhorbitant profits from our last adventure might be pooled together. We would need to hire a steward. Perhaps someone like Gohumbee Dammite?
”But that would be a long term solution to my urgent quandry: what to do with the spare spellbook now. Any thoughts?”
"Starker, I've been debating a good location to setup a stronghold to help bring law and stability to an area in need of it. I would be interested in your, and everyone's <he gestures to the group as a whole> opinions.
I had considered near the mine to help keep an eye on our investment and help promote expansion into that area. We certainly have plenty of goodwill there. The biggest downside I see is it's so far north so not very centrally located, and our missions tend to take us all over."
I've also considered near my village. The area is outside the rule of Everlund so folks are left trying to ward off wolves and brigands on their own. While we are a sturdy folk, they are still farmers and herders. And of course I have a personal stake in being near my family and friends.
We may also choose to combine efforts and construct more than one stronghold so we have multiple places of refuge.
"Friends I understand the need to unload some of this haul we're carrying, but I urge us to not spend too much time with the merchants so we can be underway at first light. I'm still anxious about getting MonstorDrink as soon as we can."
An overnight stop in Mirabar helps to rejuvenate the body with good ale and food. Sleep is still a problem for all of you. Even a good inn and fine bed are not solutions to get a good night of rest. The road to Longsadle greets you in the morning. It is several days journey there on the Long Road. This stretches all the way to Waterdeep at its southern end. Longsaddle is a small town of around 1,000 people. The surrounding lands are grassland and plains with mountains to the west. The town is dominated by a large set of buildings just outside of town the locals identify as the Ivy Mansion, home of the Harpell's. Starker has heard of this family of mages. They are known for their ability as well as their quirkiness.
The trip of several days feels longer. Though the nights were without incident, none of you sleep well. Fitfull rest and long days have led to everyone gaining 1 level of exhaustion. There are two inns in town and a livery to take care of the animals. Only the most basic services are available and no merchant of any sophistication is here.
Kragen awakens before dawn, spends time in prayer to Tyr, requesting good fortune and health as they head to Chadwick's village and potential impending danger. Gathers his belongings and heads to the Inn's common room for some breakfast, greeting the barmaids and the Inn patron "Tyr has blessed morning." smiling and pays for the meal. Waits patiently for his compatriots to muster for the journey.
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As Kragen returns, Xymox looks over his belongings, ensuring that everything is stowed and in its proper place.
As the others gather for departure, he starts to hum softly, then speaks at barely a whisper. Only those nearby could hear.
"The Company Departs"
by Xymox Xel' Mizzrym, Silken-Tongued Chronicler of Deeds Most Daring
The tankards are dry, the songs all sung,
Shalecliff’s echoes still warm on the tongue.
With boots still sticky from spilled delight,
The Company rides at the break of light.
From Jutrun’s Inn where the rafters shook,
To tales they etched in the tavern’s book,
They laughed, they drank, they roared, they swayed—
And maybe one cleric briefly prayed.
Now south and east, with blades to bare,
For Everlund’s call hums in the air.
Past Monstordrink, where beasts may bite—
They go not for gold, but to set wrongs right.
So raise your cups to the fading sound,
Of heroes bold and honor-bound.
May steel stay true, may spirits burn—
And may The Company always return.
The drow then pulls out his twin hand-cross bows and straps one to each thigh. Twin scimitars are strapped to his back, underneath his ever-present violin. He pulls his black/blue cloak about his shoulders, over what appear to be, an ordinary traveler's tunic. He then waits for the signal to depart.
Excellent!
Heroic Inspiration to Xymox.
Trolkarl smiles, listening to the Xymox. Despite my doubts about this drow, we can’t deny his talent. He approaches Chadwick for a private word
Chad, I’m not sure if you’re comfortable with anyone else reading your letter or sharing more of its contents. I’m wondering if there might be some specific details that someone, perhaps Starker, could find useful. Not wanting to barge into your affairs, but another eye may perceive details that could aid our approach.
Chadwick reddens a bit, then says; "My ma tends to go on a bit so no need to read the whole thing. The important part was my pa had a bad dream about a wall of black water sweeping down the mountain and washing Monstordrink away.
I would have thought it was just a dream until the MonstorDrink ale was contaminated with narcotic energy, so I figured something bad is about to happen. The letter is six weeks old, so I'm worried it may have already occured."
Chadwick slumps in his saddle staring ahead not really looking at anything. Then he scratches Freya's ears and chats with her a bit. At least you assume he is since you can't hear her side. After a bit Chadwick sits up straighter with the normal gleam back in his eye.
"Freya is right, there is no way that Tyr would allow such a thing to happen. My folks must be safe, and we will prevent whatever evil plans are being made from happening."
Chadwick and Freya then begin practicing some cantering and fancy trotting.
Starker to Xymix:”I’m mostly going to support Chadwick. Next in order is gold, so I would not say ‘not for gold’ but rather ‘not exclusively for gold, though gold is very very important at least to Starker, who needs it to become more powerful and to fulflill his dreams of instantiating mutual annihilation of two opposed sentient beings in order to create a world changing cataclysmic explosion.’
”Accuracy is more important than counting syllabic feet.”
"That's nice."
(Xymox smiles pleasantly at Starker, as if complimenting a child’s finger painting.)
He then leans slightly toward Trolkarl, voice low and amused:
"He has… a certain charm, doesn’t he? Like a book that’s been dropped in a pond — still readable, just a bit warped."
Kragen glowers at Starker, with brows furrowed. It would look menacing however, unbeknownst to Kragen, the Glasses of Eagle Eyes obscure his eyes and brows so it just looks like he is staring.
Then nods emphatically at hearing the Drow's comment about warped books.
Looking to Chadwick "Shall we be on our way Sir Chadwick?"
“Drow, your AI generated songs may gain the favor of the ruler of the universe, but we are not so easily impressed. Starker has proven his worth. Those of your ilk have proven … lacking in our past interactions. Perhaps it is a bit too soon for your snide remarks.”
Starker:”I am thus a catalyst of interspecies amity! Who would have predicted the emergence of such an attribute.
”Off we go to test Chadwick’s hypothesis regarding Tyr’s power and benevolence.” <Mounts Raspy>
(Or is this one Raspy II (Raspy, The Heretic)? I have lost track of which of Starkee’s animal companions are dead, and which are merely pining for the fjords.)
"What is AI?" Xymox looks to the others.
"...Aarakocra Infestation?"
Unsure of how to respond. Trolkarl considers Chadwick’s words.
Thank you for sharing that information. I know that isn’t easy to speak such things aloud.
I know little of omens and dreams. But those details may be useful.
What I do know of dreams is they may only be warning- not what has already occurred. And you have seen a potential warning and decided to act. If trouble stirs in Monstordrink there is no better hope than to have Tyr’s champion riding to meet it.
I thought we were already on the road when I posted my last comment, but apparently there was some confusion on that. So if everyone is ready (which it seems we are) The Company heads out.
Off to Mirabar
Hanny offers you the names of dealers in Mirabar where you should have better luck selling your valuable items. "They will be able to offer you higher prices there than I can, unfortunately," he tells you. "You should be able to sell all of the items you gained from the mountain of Deep Wave Mine and avoid the predation of allegedly 'Rando' white, or any other color, dragons," he says with a smile.
The first leg of your journey to Monstordrink is through Mirabar. The Stonejaws and a few other merchants are traveling there as well as welcome you into their caravan. Although the road is relatively safe, greater numbers is greater safety. Your trip is fairly uneventful and you arrive on the second day. Rest was hard to achieve on your camp night for some reason. All of you look forward to a comfortable inn and a hot meal.
The city of Mirabar is a cooperative enclave of humans and dwarves primarily. The dwarves work the mines below and in the Spine of the World. Quarries outside of the city export cut stone as far as Waterdeep. Starker is familiar with Mirabar Granite used for construction in the City of Splendors. The roads here become much better as you get closer to the city. Crushed stone from the mines is used as gravel for the roads and supplemented year round to make a high quality road to travel upon. The sloped walls of the city surround the low buildings on the north shore of the Mirar River. The Stonejaws describe the layout of the city with you and prominent inns and taverns. Hanny's connections are easily found as well.
<During the journey Starker spends downtime laboriously copying spells into a backup spellbook.>
Starker, around the campfire one night:”Colleagues, as you know a spell book is sine qua non for a wizard and is by far his most important posession. Our experiences over the past few months have made me fearful of losing a spellbook to some vile creature during our adventures. Thus, I have decided to make a copy. It will take quite a while and has cost a great deal of treasure but I think it wise. My only question is what to do with the copy once made. Clearly, it would defeat the purpose if I were to merely carry it alongside the original. I would welcome any suggestions. I, for one, wonder if it is time for The Company or several members thereof to pick a location for a permanent base. Our exhorbitant profits from our last adventure might be pooled together. We would need to hire a steward. Perhaps someone like Gohumbee Dammite?
”But that would be a long term solution to my urgent quandry: what to do with the spare spellbook now. Any thoughts?”
"Starker, I've been debating a good location to setup a stronghold to help bring law and stability to an area in need of it. I would be interested in your, and everyone's <he gestures to the group as a whole> opinions.
I had considered near the mine to help keep an eye on our investment and help promote expansion into that area. We certainly have plenty of goodwill there. The biggest downside I see is it's so far north so not very centrally located, and our missions tend to take us all over."
I've also considered near my village. The area is outside the rule of Everlund so folks are left trying to ward off wolves and brigands on their own. While we are a sturdy folk, they are still farmers and herders. And of course I have a personal stake in being near my family and friends.
We may also choose to combine efforts and construct more than one stronghold so we have multiple places of refuge.
"Friends I understand the need to unload some of this haul we're carrying, but I urge us to not spend too much time with the merchants so we can be underway at first light. I'm still anxious about getting MonstorDrink as soon as we can."
Kragen looks to Chadwick “I will be ready at Dawn Sir Chadwick!”
(If time allows) Kragen heads to find the merchants Hanny recommended.
There is time to visit the merchants this day.
An overnight stop in Mirabar helps to rejuvenate the body with good ale and food. Sleep is still a problem for all of you. Even a good inn and fine bed are not solutions to get a good night of rest. The road to Longsadle greets you in the morning. It is several days journey there on the Long Road. This stretches all the way to Waterdeep at its southern end. Longsaddle is a small town of around 1,000 people. The surrounding lands are grassland and plains with mountains to the west. The town is dominated by a large set of buildings just outside of town the locals identify as the Ivy Mansion, home of the Harpell's. Starker has heard of this family of mages. They are known for their ability as well as their quirkiness.
The trip of several days feels longer. Though the nights were without incident, none of you sleep well. Fitfull rest and long days have led to everyone gaining 1 level of exhaustion. There are two inns in town and a livery to take care of the animals. Only the most basic services are available and no merchant of any sophistication is here.
Kragen awakens before dawn, spends time in prayer to Tyr, requesting good fortune and health as they head to Chadwick's village and potential impending danger. Gathers his belongings and heads to the Inn's common room for some breakfast, greeting the barmaids and the Inn patron "Tyr has blessed morning." smiling and pays for the meal. Waits patiently for his compatriots to muster for the journey.