“As I said, the scale is quite strong as well. Since you need to stay alive, and the plate does seem your size, wear it well,” Korba replies working himself into the scale armor, which fits almost exactly as what he is already wearing, but is certainly quieter while he walks.
Jodie smiles happily to Korba's acquiescence and takes off her elven chain and gives it to Rhaenys. She starts pulling off the half-plate from the leader and adjusting it as needed. "If the band could see me now..."
With the loot divvied up and dragonnels secured, you all take a well-deserved afternoon nap as you approach the foreboding island...
About two hours after the encounter with the dragon riders, you all feel the jolt of the anchor being cast and hear the thump of wood on wood as the gangplank is lowered to the dock. Captain Blythe, now looking a bit less happy-go-lucky than she was when you first met her, announces that you have arrived. As you disembark, you are greeted by a small posse of grim-faced men, lead by this guy:
He regards you all for a moment with an expression that is difficult to read, before he speaks.
"Greetings, strangers," he says. "I am Elmar Erikson, mayor of this here town. We weren't expecting a shipment today, and it is not often that we get visitors to the Shaded Isle... so tell me, what has brought you here? Were you perchance blown off course in a storm? This land is not one of great wealth, but we are willing to share what we can with souls in need."
Captain Blythe, now looking a bit less happy-go-lucky than she was when you first met her, announces that you have arrived.
(OOC: have we clarified whether Captain Blythe is going to wait here, docked at the island, until we return? Or did we just pay for passage to the island?)
Captain Blythe, now looking a bit less happy-go-lucky than she was when you first met her, announces that you have arrived.
(OOC: have we clarified whether Captain Blythe is going to wait here, docked at the island, until we return? Or did we just pay for passage to the island?)
(She's going to wait here for your return... as long as you come back within a reasonable timeframe of 48 hours. Beyond that she may require additional compensation to stick around.)
Looking to the mayor, Korba steps up and says, "We actually are here looking for a lich." then, seeing the concern on the man's face replies, "Though we are adventurers as you might say, we are hoping to discuss something with him. Though I would also love to know more about the island and your town. What is it that brings you, and keeps you here? This place is hard to find passage to."
Jodie steps up to the Elmar, "Jodie Olwen, pleased to meet you. High Priest of Illmater spoke of Lord Akkron, a man so knowledge he brought his lore with him into the afterlife. What can you tell us of this land and best approach to the Black Tower?"
The mayor pauses, seemingly surprised by the request to meet a lich. But you notice that his reaction isn't the common expression of horror that one might expect when discussing a powerful undead.
"You wish to see Lord Akkron?" the mayor says after a moment, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "And on the advice of a the High Priest of the Ilmatari? If that is the case, the situation must be dire indeed."
He glances up at the sky, squinting to see past the thick fog that perpetually envelops the island, before he turns his attention back to Korba's questions.
"Those of us who live here come from many walks of life... some of us were fugitives from the law. Others castaways who were offered shelter. And a good number of us came from the same place I did..."
He pulls down the collar of his shirt, revealing a large brand that Korba would immediately recognize as a slave brand of a Lolthite Drow house. The mayor's eyes meet Korba's briefly, and the man smiles a bit sadly.
"...What ties us all together is that we had nowhere to go, and his Lordship was willing to grant us sanctuary. It might not look like much, but to us it's home."
Korba nods, but shows little emotion to the fact that this man was a former slave to a family he may have had contact with in the past, saying, "It is good for you all that you were able to free yourselves. Clearly you were not meant to be kept as a slave."Then, thinking of the lich and his power over this island asks, "How much contact do you and your community have with this Akkron? We have heard that he is... not as evil as most generally think of a lich being. Though that seems a bit contradictory to some of us, it does seem to be true if you all are allowed to live here peacefully."
Hewelathan normally lets his talkative, charismatic friends do the talking, but he audibly gasps when they immediately ask about meeting the lich and even naming him Lord Akkron, a fact that did not seem to be common knowledge back in Tormere. He clears his throat, maybe just because he's uncomfortable at interrupting his friends or perhaps because he's trying to interrupt the conversation. He picks up somewhat clumsily on the last thing the Mayor said: "And it's a...uh...remarkable home, Mayor Erikson! But perhaps my friends were just rattled by our trouble getting to the island. Maybe we were being a bit hasty. I wonder: do you know a warlock named Bridgette? If so...I mean, if she's on the island, we would love to meet with her. Could you direct us to her? Or arrange a meeting?" If the mayor says that Bridgette is on the island, Hewelathan looks at Korba and then to Jodie, saying significantly, "Maybe we should meet with Bridgette first, don't you think?"
Jodie thinks back to the first conversation that feels so long ago now. "Oh yes, the half-orc warlock. She would surely provide a better introduction..."
"His Lordship isn't known to be the most social being in the multiverse," the mayor says. "But he does keep a himself up-to-date on what happens out here, and on occasion he makes appearances in the town for major events."
Hewelathan's cough catches his attention. He smiles when the Druid mention's Bridgette's name.
"Bridgette... yes, I know her. Nice girl, though perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed. Usually you can find her in the tavern when it gets close to evening. Speaking of... it's probably best to get indoors soon. His Lordship has forbidden the wraiths that haunt the island from entering our town, but it is still not wise to be out after dark if you can help it."
Rhaenysgets off the boat with a last look towards the dragonnels. As her suggestion to free them seems to have fallen in the background, she wonders how Blytheand her crew are going to care for them while they are away. She guesses that isn't going to be a problem since everyone has already left for the island, so she shrugs, adjusts her newly acquired elven chain - with which she felt a little strange yet, as she was not accustomed to non magical armors - and followed the rest.
As she sets foot on the island, Stafford whispers:
"Why not change your look a little so you can mingle better? How about human? You haven't looked like a human in ages!"
"... but I like this aspec-" - she begins to say, but Stafford is quicker and turns her into a human looking Rhaenys, keeping her same face but giving her a fair human-like skin instead of her normal pale tone. He keeps her long white hair, but turns her eyes to blue - " ...sigh...okay. Guess I'll draw less attention this way".
To the mayor she just waves happily, thinking that he looks rather polite for his rough looks. That is, until he calls that Bridgette"not the sharpest tool in the shed", which makes the sorceress raise an eyebrow. Smart or not, she hopes that half-orc who is going to introduce them to the famous Lord Akkron is a little bit more agreeable than this man.
- So, tavern! Let's go then. Drink and food will do us good. Thank you for your suggestions, Mayor Erikson.
Rhaenysgets off the boat with a last look towards the dragonnels. As her suggestion to free them seems to have fallen in the background, she wonders how Blytheand her crew are going to care for them while they are away. She guesses that isn't going to be a problem since everyone has already left for the island...
(OOC: I wanted to let @Mister_Whisker move us forward and then come back to that if appropriate, depending on what we learn from Bridgette. Let's assume that the group decided to keep them tied at one side of the ship until we figure out whether we'll need them.)
Before leaving the ship, Hewelathan ensures that that the dragonnels are tied securely and bound to the ship rail. He works with the sailors -- masters of ropes and knots! -- to fashion a sort of hobble for the dragonnels so that they can stand up and move around but cannot easily swipe with their claws or use their wings. He cautions the creatures (in draconic), "A powerful, undead wizard rules this island, and his strange magic rules the skies." He looks at the dark clouds that shroud the island. "Do not fly away if you value your life! And do not harm this ship or the people on it. You are safe as long as you are here. Rest tonight, and I'll be back tomorrow. We'll get you back to flying the open skies soon!" He spends some time to figure out what kind of food they want to eat. (Do they eat fish? Dried meat? Fruits?) He then ensures that their mouths are unbound and that buckets of fresh water and plenty of food are left within their reach.
Hewelathan arranges with the captain or one of her mates to have a few sailors keep watch on the dragonnels at all times (with bows, at a distance!) to ensure that they don't try to chew through their bonds. He quietly tells her that his group may have a need for them, but they're not sure yet. Just make sure that the crew keeps a safe distance from the dragonnels and that they ignore the creatures. Don't stare at them or bother them. Once the group makes contact with someone in town and determines their next step, they can come back and figure out what to do with the dragonnels.
"Bridgette... yes, I know her. Nice girl, though perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed. Usually you can find her in the tavern when it gets close to evening. Speaking of... it's probably best to get indoors soon. His Lordship has forbidden the wraiths that haunt the island from entering our town, but it is still not wise to be out after dark if you can help it."
Hewelathan is happy to hear that the man knows Bridgette, but he's troubled by the mention of "wraiths." He's happy to leave the conversation to the others as Mayor Erikson guides the group away from the dock. Hewelathan looks around with interest as they walk. (Perception15)
Jodie adds, "Well, taverns are my speciality. I don't suppose this town gets much cheer. Let them forgot their sorrows, if only for a night. We need a BIG entrance! Maybe I can get some guidance by nature or divine and accompaniment with joyful sights,sounds, and images. Oh what fun to have a troupe again!"
"Troupe" willing, Jodie enters the tavern to sing (22) an uplifting song.
Here's a song a bard once wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry, be happy In every life we have some trouble But when you worry, you make it double Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy now
Rolled assuming Jodie will have guidance and advantage with willing members. Otherwise, she'll do a solo and use her inspiration. 🤘🏻
Jodie adds, "Well, taverns are my speciality. I don't suppose this town gets much cheer. Let them forgot their sorrows, if only for a night. We need a BIG entrance! Maybe I can get some guidance by nature or divine
Hewelathan takes the hint and will cast guidance on Jodie as they enter the tavern and/or when she gets up to start playing. The spell doesn't last long, but he just hopes that the spell guides her to select an appropriate song for the nature of the people who inhabit this strange island. He worries that if the party offends someone, they'll be tossed out into the street where they'll have to contend with the wraiths.
It is getting close to nightfall, and most of the residents have already gone indoors. The buildings look fairly old, but likely much newer than the ruins outside. There are solid walls surrounding the settlement on all sides (you passed through a gate to enter) which look almost as if they were shaped directly out of the stony landscape. But perhaps the most interesting thing you notice as you pass through the streets is what appears to be an ancient temple (I would need a Religion or History check if you want to identify which deity the temple is dedicated to).
Everyone:
When you arrive at the tavern it is right near the tail end of the evening rush. To your surprise, when you enter the bar the first thing that you immediately see is the bartender: a drider... The drider glances at you with an almost bored expression on her face, before quickly returning to pouring drinks. Most of the other individuals that you see appear to be human, though you do note a few individuals of orc descent and a dwarf or two. There is only one female half-orc in the bar... a surprisingly slender woman with raven hair tied back in a ponytail:
When she catches sight of you (it takes her a moment, as she already seems to be a little bit tipsy), she gives you a friendly smile and a wave.
(I'm going to presume that Jodie breaks off from the rest of the party to do her performance, leaving it to the others to talk with Bridgette and/or the bartender)
Jodie's show goes off without a hitch, and by the time she is finished she is being showered with praise and coins. Even the drider bartender has a smile by the time that the bard is finished. (Jodie receives 29 gold, 27 silver, and 21 copper pieces from the patrons of the establishment).
It is getting close to nightfall, and most of the residents have already gone indoors. The buildings look fairly old, but likely much newer than the ruins outside. There are solid walls surrounding the settlement on all sides (you passed through a gate to enter) which look almost as if they were shaped directly out of the stony landscape. But perhaps the most interesting thing you notice as you pass through the streets is what appears to be an ancient temple (I would need a Religion or History check if you want to identify which deity the temple is dedicated to).
Hewelathan's circle of druids focused more on the wild places and its flora and fauna. He points out the temple to his friends. I don't think that any of them have a lot of schooling in religious practices, but maybe they can make a group check of some sort?
When she catches sight of you (it takes her a moment, as she already seems to be a little bit tipsy), she gives you a friendly smile and a wave.
Korba sees the woman at the bar smile at him, and feeling the need for a drink himself after being on the boat for so long, walks over and says, "This place have anything special?"
“As I said, the scale is quite strong as well. Since you need to stay alive, and the plate does seem your size, wear it well,” Korba replies working himself into the scale armor, which fits almost exactly as what he is already wearing, but is certainly quieter while he walks.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Jodie smiles happily to Korba's acquiescence and takes off her elven chain and gives it to Rhaenys. She starts pulling off the half-plate from the leader and adjusting it as needed. "If the band could see me now..."
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
With the loot divvied up and dragonnels secured, you all take a well-deserved afternoon nap as you approach the foreboding island...
About two hours after the encounter with the dragon riders, you all feel the jolt of the anchor being cast and hear the thump of wood on wood as the gangplank is lowered to the dock. Captain Blythe, now looking a bit less happy-go-lucky than she was when you first met her, announces that you have arrived. As you disembark, you are greeted by a small posse of grim-faced men, lead by this guy:
He regards you all for a moment with an expression that is difficult to read, before he speaks.
"Greetings, strangers," he says. "I am Elmar Erikson, mayor of this here town. We weren't expecting a shipment today, and it is not often that we get visitors to the Shaded Isle... so tell me, what has brought you here? Were you perchance blown off course in a storm? This land is not one of great wealth, but we are willing to share what we can with souls in need."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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(OOC: have we clarified whether Captain Blythe is going to wait here, docked at the island, until we return? Or did we just pay for passage to the island?)
(She's going to wait here for your return... as long as you come back within a reasonable timeframe of 48 hours. Beyond that she may require additional compensation to stick around.)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Looking to the mayor, Korba steps up and says, "We actually are here looking for a lich." then, seeing the concern on the man's face replies, "Though we are adventurers as you might say, we are hoping to discuss something with him. Though I would also love to know more about the island and your town. What is it that brings you, and keeps you here? This place is hard to find passage to."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Jodie steps up to the Elmar, "Jodie Olwen, pleased to meet you. High Priest of Illmater spoke of Lord Akkron, a man so knowledge he brought his lore with him into the afterlife. What can you tell us of this land and best approach to the Black Tower?"
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
The mayor pauses, seemingly surprised by the request to meet a lich. But you notice that his reaction isn't the common expression of horror that one might expect when discussing a powerful undead.
"You wish to see Lord Akkron?" the mayor says after a moment, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "And on the advice of a the High Priest of the Ilmatari? If that is the case, the situation must be dire indeed."
He glances up at the sky, squinting to see past the thick fog that perpetually envelops the island, before he turns his attention back to Korba's questions.
"Those of us who live here come from many walks of life... some of us were fugitives from the law. Others castaways who were offered shelter. And a good number of us came from the same place I did..."
He pulls down the collar of his shirt, revealing a large brand that Korba would immediately recognize as a slave brand of a Lolthite Drow house. The mayor's eyes meet Korba's briefly, and the man smiles a bit sadly.
"...What ties us all together is that we had nowhere to go, and his Lordship was willing to grant us sanctuary. It might not look like much, but to us it's home."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Korba nods, but shows little emotion to the fact that this man was a former slave to a family he may have had contact with in the past, saying, "It is good for you all that you were able to free yourselves. Clearly you were not meant to be kept as a slave." Then, thinking of the lich and his power over this island asks, "How much contact do you and your community have with this Akkron? We have heard that he is... not as evil as most generally think of a lich being. Though that seems a bit contradictory to some of us, it does seem to be true if you all are allowed to live here peacefully."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Hewelathan normally lets his talkative, charismatic friends do the talking, but he audibly gasps when they immediately ask about meeting the lich and even naming him Lord Akkron, a fact that did not seem to be common knowledge back in Tormere. He clears his throat, maybe just because he's uncomfortable at interrupting his friends or perhaps because he's trying to interrupt the conversation. He picks up somewhat clumsily on the last thing the Mayor said: "And it's a...uh...remarkable home, Mayor Erikson! But perhaps my friends were just rattled by our trouble getting to the island. Maybe we were being a bit hasty. I wonder: do you know a warlock named Bridgette? If so...I mean, if she's on the island, we would love to meet with her. Could you direct us to her? Or arrange a meeting?" If the mayor says that Bridgette is on the island, Hewelathan looks at Korba and then to Jodie, saying significantly, "Maybe we should meet with Bridgette first, don't you think?"
Jodie thinks back to the first conversation that feels so long ago now. "Oh yes, the half-orc warlock. She would surely provide a better introduction..."
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
"His Lordship isn't known to be the most social being in the multiverse," the mayor says. "But he does keep a himself up-to-date on what happens out here, and on occasion he makes appearances in the town for major events."
Hewelathan's cough catches his attention. He smiles when the Druid mention's Bridgette's name.
"Bridgette... yes, I know her. Nice girl, though perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed. Usually you can find her in the tavern when it gets close to evening. Speaking of... it's probably best to get indoors soon. His Lordship has forbidden the wraiths that haunt the island from entering our town, but it is still not wise to be out after dark if you can help it."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Rhaenys gets off the boat with a last look towards the dragonnels. As her suggestion to free them seems to have fallen in the background, she wonders how Blythe and her crew are going to care for them while they are away. She guesses that isn't going to be a problem since everyone has already left for the island, so she shrugs, adjusts her newly acquired elven chain - with which she felt a little strange yet, as she was not accustomed to non magical armors - and followed the rest.
As she sets foot on the island, Stafford whispers:
"Why not change your look a little so you can mingle better? How about human? You haven't looked like a human in ages!"
"... but I like this aspec-" - she begins to say, but Stafford is quicker and turns her into a human looking Rhaenys, keeping her same face but giving her a fair human-like skin instead of her normal pale tone. He keeps her long white hair, but turns her eyes to blue - " ...sigh...okay. Guess I'll draw less attention this way".
To the mayor she just waves happily, thinking that he looks rather polite for his rough looks. That is, until he calls that Bridgette "not the sharpest tool in the shed", which makes the sorceress raise an eyebrow. Smart or not, she hopes that half-orc who is going to introduce them to the famous Lord Akkron is a little bit more agreeable than this man.
- So, tavern! Let's go then. Drink and food will do us good. Thank you for your suggestions, Mayor Erikson.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Nessa | Saxa | Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
(OOC: I wanted to let @Mister_Whisker move us forward and then come back to that if appropriate, depending on what we learn from Bridgette. Let's assume that the group decided to keep them tied at one side of the ship until we figure out whether we'll need them.)
Before leaving the ship, Hewelathan ensures that that the dragonnels are tied securely and bound to the ship rail. He works with the sailors -- masters of ropes and knots! -- to fashion a sort of hobble for the dragonnels so that they can stand up and move around but cannot easily swipe with their claws or use their wings. He cautions the creatures (in draconic), "A powerful, undead wizard rules this island, and his strange magic rules the skies." He looks at the dark clouds that shroud the island. "Do not fly away if you value your life! And do not harm this ship or the people on it. You are safe as long as you are here. Rest tonight, and I'll be back tomorrow. We'll get you back to flying the open skies soon!" He spends some time to figure out what kind of food they want to eat. (Do they eat fish? Dried meat? Fruits?) He then ensures that their mouths are unbound and that buckets of fresh water and plenty of food are left within their reach.
Hewelathan arranges with the captain or one of her mates to have a few sailors keep watch on the dragonnels at all times (with bows, at a distance!) to ensure that they don't try to chew through their bonds. He quietly tells her that his group may have a need for them, but they're not sure yet. Just make sure that the crew keeps a safe distance from the dragonnels and that they ignore the creatures. Don't stare at them or bother them. Once the group makes contact with someone in town and determines their next step, they can come back and figure out what to do with the dragonnels.
Hewelathan is happy to hear that the man knows Bridgette, but he's troubled by the mention of "wraiths." He's happy to leave the conversation to the others as Mayor Erikson guides the group away from the dock. Hewelathan looks around with interest as they walk. (Perception 15)
Jodie adds, "Well, taverns are my speciality. I don't suppose this town gets much cheer. Let them forgot their sorrows, if only for a night. We need a BIG entrance! Maybe I can get some guidance by nature or divine and accompaniment with joyful sights,sounds, and images. Oh what fun to have a troupe again!"
"Troupe" willing, Jodie enters the tavern to sing (22) an uplifting song.
Here's a song a bard once wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry, you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now
Rolled assuming Jodie will have guidance and advantage with willing members. Otherwise, she'll do a solo and use her inspiration. 🤘🏻
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
Hewelathan takes the hint and will cast guidance on Jodie as they enter the tavern and/or when she gets up to start playing. The spell doesn't last long, but he just hopes that the spell guides her to select an appropriate song for the nature of the people who inhabit this strange island. He worries that if the party offends someone, they'll be tossed out into the street where they'll have to contend with the wraiths.
Hewelathan:
It is getting close to nightfall, and most of the residents have already gone indoors. The buildings look fairly old, but likely much newer than the ruins outside. There are solid walls surrounding the settlement on all sides (you passed through a gate to enter) which look almost as if they were shaped directly out of the stony landscape. But perhaps the most interesting thing you notice as you pass through the streets is what appears to be an ancient temple (I would need a Religion or History check if you want to identify which deity the temple is dedicated to).
Everyone:
When you arrive at the tavern it is right near the tail end of the evening rush. To your surprise, when you enter the bar the first thing that you immediately see is the bartender: a drider... The drider glances at you with an almost bored expression on her face, before quickly returning to pouring drinks. Most of the other individuals that you see appear to be human, though you do note a few individuals of orc descent and a dwarf or two. There is only one female half-orc in the bar... a surprisingly slender woman with raven hair tied back in a ponytail:
When she catches sight of you (it takes her a moment, as she already seems to be a little bit tipsy), she gives you a friendly smile and a wave.
(I'm going to presume that Jodie breaks off from the rest of the party to do her performance, leaving it to the others to talk with Bridgette and/or the bartender)
Jodie's show goes off without a hitch, and by the time she is finished she is being showered with praise and coins. Even the drider bartender has a smile by the time that the bard is finished. (Jodie receives 29 gold, 27 silver, and 21 copper pieces from the patrons of the establishment).
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Hewelathan's circle of druids focused more on the wild places and its flora and fauna. He points out the temple to his friends. I don't think that any of them have a lot of schooling in religious practices, but maybe they can make a group check of some sort?
Religion 5
Korba sees the woman at the bar smile at him, and feeling the need for a drink himself after being on the boat for so long, walks over and says, "This place have anything special?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: