After hearing the options from Wizbang, Umkhonzi thinks that Seven Stars sounds friendlier than a place called Hanged Man, but wherever the party decides, he'll follow and protect.
Tine smiles thanking the woman for the advice "Sounds like the Hanged Man should be our stop. No point in getting into fights with other bards on our first night here. That's just my opinion though. Plus, it might be a good place to make a name for ourselves and gather information on our missing friend."
"Sounds good to me!" Wizbang replies excitedly as he bounds back to George. After scrambling to climb the side of the massive hound, he sets off in the direction of the Hanged Man. It isn't long before the blowing cold prompts him to once again lean forward and lay across the dog, one hand holding his hat and the other wrapping around his furry companions neck.
"I agree! I am all for the path of least resistance. The hanged man it is." Brim turns his horse and follows along. His raven takes flight as well and floats in the air pocket behind him, trying to stay out of the cold wind as much as possible.
Moving forward towards the Hanged Man, a stone building tucked against the mountain side with balconies over looking the street below. The building itself clings to the cliff face it seem the largest buildings in the area. The party can see the well lit facade and it's more refined purposeful crafted features. It sticks out mote than the other crowded and cobbled together buildings on either side of it weaving up the steep slanted mountain road towards the Trade Way. It doesn't seem like the facade matches the grisly name! A tarot card emblazoned on a wooden sign.
The party is welcomed by a warm hearth and a room with multiple stories of active groups. The patrons here are primarily human like the town but there's a scattering of other species about the place. A beautiful, tall, middle-aged woman is tending bar beside a slightly shorter dark skinned half-elven man. He's older, with graying curly hair and a wrinkled face. They seem to be enjoying each other company even though surrounded by a cacophony of sounds coming from their patrons as their hired servers weave in and out of the boisterous crowd!
As Tine stepped into the bustling inn, her eyes widened with wonder at the lively atmosphere. The aroma of hearth-cooked meals and the harmonious blend of laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and scent. She glanced around, taking in the diverse crowd of patrons, appreciating the mix of humanity and other races that made the inn feel like a melting pot of cultures.
Approaching the bar, Tine couldn't help but admire the finely crafted establishment. The warm glow of the hearth illuminated the room, casting a comforting ambiance that contrasted with the chilly night outside. With a friendly smile, she addressed the tall, middle-aged woman tending the bar, her voice carrying the confidence of a seasoned bard.
"Greetings! Your inn exudes a delightful charm, and the energy here is palpable," Tine said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm to the woman "I am Tine. I couldn't help but be drawn to the melodies of this place. If you'd be so kind, I would love to offer my music to your patrons tonight. A song or two to add to the lively spirit of your establishment, perhaps?"
She nodded toward her lute, which she carried with her, ready to bring melodies to life that would complement the lively ambiance of the inn. Tine's presence exuded a combination of grace and confidence, a testament to her years of honing her craft within the hallowed halls of Candlekeep.
Wizbang steps through the doorway with a wide smile on his face. Taking off his hat with one hand, he would smooth out his white tufts of hair with the other as he looked upwards taking in the scene in front of him. He would wipe the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand as the wonderful aroma of cooking food fills his nostrils. "Oh WOW! This place is huge and smells great!" He would exclaim as he scampers across the floor towards the closest empty table he could find. Upon finding a table, the young goblin would lay his pack on the ground next to the chair before using it as a step stool to ascend into his seat. Once seated he would place his spell book down in the center of the table with a loud bang, causing the gem in the center to briefly transition from blue to red. "I don't know about you guys but I'm excited to eat something other than dried meats!" he would then pull out his wand and raise it into the air before sending out a stream of harmless sparks up above the group. "Hopefully that gets one of the workers attention! It's really busy in here!"
OOC As a point of order the party took 2 days of travel with 1 uneventful night on the road to reach Nashkel. You arrived on the second day of travel well after sunset. Also uh what's happening with the horses/dog?
"Yes, of course dearie but those on stage might not be overly welcoming to another player vying for coin," the middle-aged human woman answers Tine with a wink.
"Go on! They're bark is worse than their bite," the dark skinned half-elven man adds ushering Tine to join the players.
I'll give Tine advantage on whatever she thinks will get the duet of bards performing to share the stage!
Sending up sparks Wizbang is noticed by a halfling woman with an apron on easily dodging through patrons legs.
"Hello, " she says brightly. "I've got a small table in the back if you don't mind being slightly cramped," she adds looking at Wizbang and his companions gesturing for the party to follow her.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"OK! That sounds good! Before we go do you have a place to house our animals? We have a dog and some horses we rode outside!" Wizbang would ask as he looks back towards the doorway.
Umkhonzi will watch them all go in, briefly smiling at their joy before turning back to the animals. "Guess I'm on stable duty," he mutters to himself as he gathers up all of the reins, including trying to nicely wrangle the dog. If there's a hitching rail outside the Hanged Man he'll tie them all up there. If not he'll lead them toward the nearest stable, if he can see one.
If he can't see one, he'll look for a passerby who wouldn't be put off by appearance and ask them for directions.
"Denali is just around the way. Mention you're a guest here and you'll get a fair price. How many rooms," the halfling woman asks looking over Wizbang unsure of the party's size.
Outside...
Umkhonzi finds a female earth genasi with a group of tough looking obviously all female miners. She's got a brilliant smiling for the handsome half-orc as he tries wrangling the horses until Brim comes to his aid as well. The earth genasi laughs as her other companions push at her to cross the space between them on the narrowing Trade Way.
"Good evening, " she says to Umkhonzi and then nods at Brim. "Got your hands full," she quips grinning now.
The ranger remains silent but curious as he holds the reigns to his horse and Stardust.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Uh, I, yes, I do," Umkhonzi replies, not used to being smiled at or approached in a friendly way. "We, that is, my friend and I," he jerks a thumb toward the ranger, which inadvertently yanks a horse's reins and elicits a whinny. "Oh, sorry girl," he says to the horse, then turns back. "Anyway, we've just arrived and are looking for beds." His eyes go wide. "I mean stables. For the horses. Do you know where there might be any nearby?"
He forces a grin. With his already bronze skin and the encroaching evening, he's hoping she doesn't notice the slight shade of red on his now-warm cheeks, courtesy of his human father.
The earth genasi's companions laugh at how awkward Umkhonzi stumbles over his words but this only seems to endear him to the earth genasi.
"Yes, uh what's your name? I'm Beryl Marblehorn," she says offering her hand to Umkhonzi. "The stable for the Hanged Man is just around here," she adds moving towards the narrow alley between the inn and another building that's seemingly only a single story.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Umkhonzi," he bows. "Thank you for your assistance." He glances at the ranger. "Let's go."
Smiling, he watches the genasi walk down the narrow alley, then pauses, ascertaining whether he can lead all the mounts down that alley. Then he gasps, studying his surroundings.
"Get up."
Umkhonzi kneels in the mud, wiping blood from his lip. "I'm tired. Can we take a break?"
His mother crouches in front of him, raising his gaze to hers with the tip of her bokken. "You are a child of two worlds, and neither. Never to be truly accepted."
She rises. "I can't teach you how to fit in, but I can teach you to fight. Get up."
He's embarrassed again, suddenly weighing the odds of someone actually being attracted to him versus the attraction of a newcomer's purse and horses, and he looks to see if there actually is a stable nearby.
Umkhonzi can see the lanterns of the stables blinking ahead as a gray robed figure is mounting a horse being held by a stout human man with a apron. The man sees down the alley towards Beryl and Umkhonzi but turns back towards the stables.
"That's Denny," Beryl points to the stout human man who disappears inside. "He'll help you....," she says as Umkhonzi begins to walk away. "So, uh..." she calls out, "are you staying at the Hanged Man? We're heading in there," she adds smiling still at Umkhonzi.
"Come on B," one the the female miners, a dwarven woman, calls out as the others hoot and giggle.
"Tryhard," a human woman with a blonde mohawk, another of Beryl's companions, calls down the alley as another eruption of laughter reaches Umkhonzi and Beryl.
George decided to take the most opportune time to have himself a sit down. It took Brim a moment but he finally got George to get up and continue by assuring him, and with no lack of pleading, that Wizbang is safe and that he has Brim's word he will keep watch on him. When he catches up to Umkhonzi he notices the tension in his group members body language.
He steps quietly to Umkhonzi and in a low voice says, "Hey Khonzi, I may be mistaken but it seems our new friend Beryl is trying to gain favor with you, not trick you. If you ask me, she may be the wisest one of her companions."He smirks and pats Umkhonzi on the shoulder. "If you wish, you two can continue on and join the others, i'm happy to stable the rides myself and join up after. If you're uneasy yet then no pressure, we go together."
Beryl frowns at the realization Umkhonzi wasn't just shy but had the assumption she was trying anything other than to flirt. Obviously embarrassed Beryl nods a few times before excusing herself.
"Yes...well. Good evening, " the earth genasi says curtly before rejoining her friends.
Gesturing behind her and giving a crestfallen shrug the female miners all seem flabbergasted at the turn of events.
"Your loss," the blonde femme with the mohawk then shouts down the alley after Umkhonzi before Beryl gives her a nudge and the ladies move on.
Beryl casts a final glance down the alley towards Umkhonzi before disappearing moving towards the Hanged Man.
Inside...
It's a noisey but pleasant atmosphere. The party has been shown to a table in the back adjacent to the small yet crowded stage. Two bards, one with a violin and the other with a dulcimer, play it seems a lilting melody before finally finishing as the boisterous crowd erupts into applause from those who are listening. There are plenty who aren't however they're bent towards one another drinking and speaking too low to ne heard over the raucous crowd of revelers!
"Well, I'm Jeanette. I'll help you this evening. As for the kitchens we've got a serving or two left of good stew. It's made with local barrader, it's a mountain goat, and fresh root vegetables. Oh, there's a porridge too for those not interested in meat. There's not really anything else left today dearies. You're a bit late," she adds gesturing at the crowds. "Plenty of spirits, ales, and wine to be had though. What can I get for you," she asks. "Rooms too she then adds quickly. We've only got one large room or two small cozier rooms, " she adds.
Wizbang would nod to the woman before quickly moving to the door and sticking his head into the cold blowing wind outside. Looking back and forth, he would quickly realize that the mounts were being taking around back by his companions. With a smile and a small shiver, he would make his way back inside. Hurrying back to the halfling woman, the goblin would tip his hat and apologize. "Sorry about that, yes, let's get a table for 5 please."
Once they are shown to the table, he would once again sling his pack down at the base of the chair before using it as a stepping stool to climb into the seat. "Hello Jeanett, My name is Wizbang! I'd like the stew please! and if you have anything to drink that is sweet, I'll take that too!" He would reply excitedly as he kicks his dangling feet back and forth. "Oh! And you wouldn't happen to know anyone in here that knows a lot about mithril veins do you? or old Mithril mines?" he would ask as he places his book in the center of the table.
"Yes, serveal options there's a honeyed ale, a peach wine that's quite sweet just brought up from the cellars," Jeanette answers Wizbang with a cheerful smile. When he asks about the mithril she cocks her head to the side as if temporarily confused. "Well, uh a miner anywhere here would have that information dearie," she gestures to the tavern at large but no one in particular. "I myself have always stuck to the business of hospitality, " she says grinning.
Wizbang can tell this table fits him, Tine, and maybe Brim comfortably enough but if Umkhonzi ir Ryan joins them Wizbang will most definitely be out of a chair!
After hearing the options from Wizbang, Umkhonzi thinks that Seven Stars sounds friendlier than a place called Hanged Man, but wherever the party decides, he'll follow and protect.
Tine smiles thanking the woman for the advice "Sounds like the Hanged Man should be our stop. No point in getting into fights with other bards on our first night here. That's just my opinion though. Plus, it might be a good place to make a name for ourselves and gather information on our missing friend."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
"Sounds good to me!" Wizbang replies excitedly as he bounds back to George. After scrambling to climb the side of the massive hound, he sets off in the direction of the Hanged Man. It isn't long before the blowing cold prompts him to once again lean forward and lay across the dog, one hand holding his hat and the other wrapping around his furry companions neck.
"I agree! I am all for the path of least resistance. The hanged man it is." Brim turns his horse and follows along. His raven takes flight as well and floats in the air pocket behind him, trying to stay out of the cold wind as much as possible.
Moving forward towards the Hanged Man, a stone building tucked against the mountain side with balconies over looking the street below. The building itself clings to the cliff face it seem the largest buildings in the area. The party can see the well lit facade and it's more refined purposeful crafted features. It sticks out mote than the other crowded and cobbled together buildings on either side of it weaving up the steep slanted mountain road towards the Trade Way. It doesn't seem like the facade matches the grisly name! A tarot card emblazoned on a wooden sign.
The party is welcomed by a warm hearth and a room with multiple stories of active groups. The patrons here are primarily human like the town but there's a scattering of other species about the place. A beautiful, tall, middle-aged woman is tending bar beside a slightly shorter dark skinned half-elven man. He's older, with graying curly hair and a wrinkled face. They seem to be enjoying each other company even though surrounded by a cacophony of sounds coming from their patrons as their hired servers weave in and out of the boisterous crowd!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As Tine stepped into the bustling inn, her eyes widened with wonder at the lively atmosphere. The aroma of hearth-cooked meals and the harmonious blend of laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and scent. She glanced around, taking in the diverse crowd of patrons, appreciating the mix of humanity and other races that made the inn feel like a melting pot of cultures.
Approaching the bar, Tine couldn't help but admire the finely crafted establishment. The warm glow of the hearth illuminated the room, casting a comforting ambiance that contrasted with the chilly night outside. With a friendly smile, she addressed the tall, middle-aged woman tending the bar, her voice carrying the confidence of a seasoned bard.
"Greetings! Your inn exudes a delightful charm, and the energy here is palpable," Tine said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm to the woman "I am Tine. I couldn't help but be drawn to the melodies of this place. If you'd be so kind, I would love to offer my music to your patrons tonight. A song or two to add to the lively spirit of your establishment, perhaps?"
She nodded toward her lute, which she carried with her, ready to bring melodies to life that would complement the lively ambiance of the inn. Tine's presence exuded a combination of grace and confidence, a testament to her years of honing her craft within the hallowed halls of Candlekeep.
OOC:
Hoping by popular demand will come in handy here.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Wizbang steps through the doorway with a wide smile on his face. Taking off his hat with one hand, he would smooth out his white tufts of hair with the other as he looked upwards taking in the scene in front of him. He would wipe the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand as the wonderful aroma of cooking food fills his nostrils. "Oh WOW! This place is huge and smells great!" He would exclaim as he scampers across the floor towards the closest empty table he could find. Upon finding a table, the young goblin would lay his pack on the ground next to the chair before using it as a step stool to ascend into his seat. Once seated he would place his spell book down in the center of the table with a loud bang, causing the gem in the center to briefly transition from blue to red. "I don't know about you guys but I'm excited to eat something other than dried meats!" he would then pull out his wand and raise it into the air before sending out a stream of harmless sparks up above the group. "Hopefully that gets one of the workers attention! It's really busy in here!"
OOC: using prestidigitation to make sparks
OOC As a point of order the party took 2 days of travel with 1 uneventful night on the road to reach Nashkel. You arrived on the second day of travel well after sunset. Also uh what's happening with the horses/dog?
"Yes, of course dearie but those on stage might not be overly welcoming to another player vying for coin," the middle-aged human woman answers Tine with a wink.
"Go on! They're bark is worse than their bite," the dark skinned half-elven man adds ushering Tine to join the players.
I'll give Tine advantage on whatever she thinks will get the duet of bards performing to share the stage!
Sending up sparks Wizbang is noticed by a halfling woman with an apron on easily dodging through patrons legs.
"Hello, " she says brightly. "I've got a small table in the back if you don't mind being slightly cramped," she adds looking at Wizbang and his companions gesturing for the party to follow her.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"OK! That sounds good! Before we go do you have a place to house our animals? We have a dog and some horses we rode outside!" Wizbang would ask as he looks back towards the doorway.
Umkhonzi will watch them all go in, briefly smiling at their joy before turning back to the animals. "Guess I'm on stable duty," he mutters to himself as he gathers up all of the reins, including trying to nicely wrangle the dog. If there's a hitching rail outside the Hanged Man he'll tie them all up there. If not he'll lead them toward the nearest stable, if he can see one.
If he can't see one, he'll look for a passerby who wouldn't be put off by appearance and ask them for directions.
"Denali is just around the way. Mention you're a guest here and you'll get a fair price. How many rooms," the halfling woman asks looking over Wizbang unsure of the party's size.
Outside...
Umkhonzi finds a female earth genasi with a group of tough looking obviously all female miners. She's got a brilliant smiling for the handsome half-orc as he tries wrangling the horses until Brim comes to his aid as well. The earth genasi laughs as her other companions push at her to cross the space between them on the narrowing Trade Way.
"Good evening, " she says to Umkhonzi and then nods at Brim. "Got your hands full," she quips grinning now.
The ranger remains silent but curious as he holds the reigns to his horse and Stardust.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Uh, I, yes, I do," Umkhonzi replies, not used to being smiled at or approached in a friendly way. "We, that is, my friend and I," he jerks a thumb toward the ranger, which inadvertently yanks a horse's reins and elicits a whinny. "Oh, sorry girl," he says to the horse, then turns back. "Anyway, we've just arrived and are looking for beds." His eyes go wide. "I mean stables. For the horses. Do you know where there might be any nearby?"
He forces a grin. With his already bronze skin and the encroaching evening, he's hoping she doesn't notice the slight shade of red on his now-warm cheeks, courtesy of his human father.
The earth genasi's companions laugh at how awkward Umkhonzi stumbles over his words but this only seems to endear him to the earth genasi.
"Yes, uh what's your name? I'm Beryl Marblehorn," she says offering her hand to Umkhonzi. "The stable for the Hanged Man is just around here," she adds moving towards the narrow alley between the inn and another building that's seemingly only a single story.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Umkhonzi," he bows. "Thank you for your assistance." He glances at the ranger. "Let's go."
Smiling, he watches the genasi walk down the narrow alley, then pauses, ascertaining whether he can lead all the mounts down that alley. Then he gasps, studying his surroundings.
"Get up."
Umkhonzi kneels in the mud, wiping blood from his lip. "I'm tired. Can we take a break?"
His mother crouches in front of him, raising his gaze to hers with the tip of her bokken. "You are a child of two worlds, and neither. Never to be truly accepted."
She rises. "I can't teach you how to fit in, but I can teach you to fight. Get up."
He's embarrassed again, suddenly weighing the odds of someone actually being attracted to him versus the attraction of a newcomer's purse and horses, and he looks to see if there actually is a stable nearby.
Perception check: 23
Umkhonzi can see the lanterns of the stables blinking ahead as a gray robed figure is mounting a horse being held by a stout human man with a apron. The man sees down the alley towards Beryl and Umkhonzi but turns back towards the stables.
"That's Denny," Beryl points to the stout human man who disappears inside. "He'll help you....," she says as Umkhonzi begins to walk away. "So, uh..." she calls out, "are you staying at the Hanged Man? We're heading in there," she adds smiling still at Umkhonzi.
"Come on B," one the the female miners, a dwarven woman, calls out as the others hoot and giggle.
"Tryhard," a human woman with a blonde mohawk, another of Beryl's companions, calls down the alley as another eruption of laughter reaches Umkhonzi and Beryl.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
George decided to take the most opportune time to have himself a sit down. It took Brim a moment but he finally got George to get up and continue by assuring him, and with no lack of pleading, that Wizbang is safe and that he has Brim's word he will keep watch on him. When he catches up to Umkhonzi he notices the tension in his group members body language.
He steps quietly to Umkhonzi and in a low voice says, "Hey Khonzi, I may be mistaken but it seems our new friend Beryl is trying to gain favor with you, not trick you. If you ask me, she may be the wisest one of her companions." He smirks and pats Umkhonzi on the shoulder. "If you wish, you two can continue on and join the others, i'm happy to stable the rides myself and join up after. If you're uneasy yet then no pressure, we go together."
Umkhonzi takes in the scene, then forces a smile. "You may be right. It appears to be...fine."
He resumes leading the mounts toward the stables, nodding at Beryl. "Thank you for your assistance. It is much appreciated."
Beryl frowns at the realization Umkhonzi wasn't just shy but had the assumption she was trying anything other than to flirt. Obviously embarrassed Beryl nods a few times before excusing herself.
"Yes...well. Good evening, " the earth genasi says curtly before rejoining her friends.
Gesturing behind her and giving a crestfallen shrug the female miners all seem flabbergasted at the turn of events.
"Your loss," the blonde femme with the mohawk then shouts down the alley after Umkhonzi before Beryl gives her a nudge and the ladies move on.
Beryl casts a final glance down the alley towards Umkhonzi before disappearing moving towards the Hanged Man.
Inside...
It's a noisey but pleasant atmosphere. The party has been shown to a table in the back adjacent to the small yet crowded stage. Two bards, one with a violin and the other with a dulcimer, play it seems a lilting melody before finally finishing as the boisterous crowd erupts into applause from those who are listening. There are plenty who aren't however they're bent towards one another drinking and speaking too low to ne heard over the raucous crowd of revelers!
"Well, I'm Jeanette. I'll help you this evening. As for the kitchens we've got a serving or two left of good stew. It's made with local barrader, it's a mountain goat, and fresh root vegetables. Oh, there's a porridge too for those not interested in meat. There's not really anything else left today dearies. You're a bit late," she adds gesturing at the crowds. "Plenty of spirits, ales, and wine to be had though. What can I get for you," she asks. "Rooms too she then adds quickly. We've only got one large room or two small cozier rooms, " she adds.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Wizbang would nod to the woman before quickly moving to the door and sticking his head into the cold blowing wind outside. Looking back and forth, he would quickly realize that the mounts were being taking around back by his companions. With a smile and a small shiver, he would make his way back inside. Hurrying back to the halfling woman, the goblin would tip his hat and apologize. "Sorry about that, yes, let's get a table for 5 please."
Once they are shown to the table, he would once again sling his pack down at the base of the chair before using it as a stepping stool to climb into the seat. "Hello Jeanett, My name is Wizbang! I'd like the stew please! and if you have anything to drink that is sweet, I'll take that too!" He would reply excitedly as he kicks his dangling feet back and forth. "Oh! And you wouldn't happen to know anyone in here that knows a lot about mithril veins do you? or old Mithril mines?" he would ask as he places his book in the center of the table.
"Yes, serveal options there's a honeyed ale, a peach wine that's quite sweet just brought up from the cellars," Jeanette answers Wizbang with a cheerful smile. When he asks about the mithril she cocks her head to the side as if temporarily confused. "Well, uh a miner anywhere here would have that information dearie," she gestures to the tavern at large but no one in particular. "I myself have always stuck to the business of hospitality, " she says grinning.
Wizbang can tell this table fits him, Tine, and maybe Brim comfortably enough but if Umkhonzi ir Ryan joins them Wizbang will most definitely be out of a chair!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.