You feel like you've learned Bigby's tells for his altered forms, as much as you can. No one in this room looks to be him. The two in the corner look at you all and then at each other. The angry bearded man sighs and then addresses you from across the room "Are you the Grey Links? Come here we have something to tell you." He seems frustrated that he has to talk to you at all.
The man greets Avery with a soft spoken voice, "Welcome to the High Tower Inn, of course we have a few rooms available, and a bite to eat if you need it.
Xanrym also asks for stabling for Heckle. At the mention of food, Xanrym realizes that he hasn't had anything to eat today other than week-old rations on their walk into Orlane. The activity and excitement since arriving in Orlane and their hasty departure drove out all thought of food for a while, but now he realizes that he's so hungry that he's getting a headache. He's fine with spicy food as long as it's fresh and filling.
Theldrin can't quite understand the two in the corner's conversation, but it seems to have something to do with city governance and the importance of magic.
Hearing bits of the conversation, Xanrym thinks that while he was starting to feel comfortable with Orlane, their sudden arrival in the Free City could be good for Theldrin. Other than Bigby, the wizard wasn't likely to find a mentor in the wild border region between the Gran March and Geoff. Greyhawk is the largest seat of power and commerce in this region, which makes it a great place for the Company to rest after their deadly and days-long struggle against that dreadful cult. He feels confident that they'll be able to find a healer for Toska, and if they have any treasure left over, it'll be much easier to reequip themselves here compared to in Orlane. The Free City may not be the best place for a druid like Liarin, but the rest of them could also spend a little time to make contacts and find mentors. In particular, Xanrym hopes to check-in with the agents of the Circle of Eight to see whether they have any assignment for him now that he has become separated from Yrag.
You feel like you've learned Bigby's tells for his altered forms, as much as you can. No one in this room looks to be him. The two in the corner look at you all and then at each other. The angry bearded man sighs and then addresses you from across the room "Are you the Grey Links? Come here we have something to tell you." He seems frustrated that he has to talk to you at all.
Xanrym assumes that the pair just have the name slightly wrong "Grey Links" vs. "Grey Chain." Until he learns who the pair is, he doesn't want to contradict them, but he'll walk over to their corner (with Theldrin and the others?) and says, "Yes, did someone leave a message for us? Our associate was headed here earlier." He thinks that Bigby may have told others to look out for the company. He wonders whether these two are also agents of the Circle of Eight and casually makes a sign with his hand as he approaches.
Using this feature of the Circle of Eight Faction Agent background:
You know a set of secret signs and passwords you can use to identify [other operatives]
Avery is going to order food and ale, "Well, you know what iron rations are like, so any cooked meal would be great." He will keep an eye on the corner to see what transpires.
Erlynn happily organises stabling for Heckle and food for you all, "It'll be out in a jiffy, and here's your drinks." He hands you all your preferred drinks and takes your food orders back to the kitchen.
At the hand sign Xanrym makes the bearded man rolls his eyes, but the blonde woman motions for him to sit. She begins the conversation, "I see you've met some of our acquaintances before, so no need for any subterfuge. My name is Jallarzi Sallavarian, and my companion here is Otiluke. As you may have guest, we are members of the Citadel of Eight along with Bigby. He was in here a couple hours ago looking for people to accompany him to the Wild Coast, and while I would have loved to go I currently have a few things to do in the City. Otiluke of course wouldn't lift a finger either. We were dining with another one of our friends though, who did go with Bigby. I believe you may know him, he goes by Yr. When he found out that Bigby was travelling with a bard named Xanrym he was anxious to see you, but Bigby was in a hurry, so Yr simply left you a note." Jallarzi slides a letter to Xanrym, "Bigby also left you a message, he simply wanted to tell you that you did a good job in Orlane, and that he told us to act us your advisors while you were in the city. Which of course we are happy to do." Otiluke rolls his eyes again. Jallarzi simply sits at the table looking at you, waiting for you to take all this in.
Avery will purchase a meal for the priest, then have him sit next to him at a table near Xanrym who is having the conversation. Making sure the priest eats; he will nod to Jallarzi and Otiluke. (How much did it cost?)
"Jallarzi, Otiluke, it's an honor to meet you," Xanrym says. When he first started doing some work for the Circle of Eight, he was just happy that he had developed enough expertise to be of some value to such a renowned group of powerful heroes. He can hardly believe that he has now met four of the Eight! Xanrym takes the letter that Jallarzi hands him. He's happy that Yr is safe, but he's wonders at his luck that he missed Yr by just a few hours. He only opens the letter long enough to scan it and confirm that there's nothing urgent in it (e.g., meet Yr at a specific place tonight). Then he puts it away to read later and focuses on the current conversation.
Otiluke of course wouldn't lift a finger either. We were dining with another one of our friends though, who did go with Bigby. I believe you may know him, he goes by Yr. When he found out that Bigby was travelling with a bard named Xanrym he was anxious to see you, but Bigby was in a hurry, so Yr simply left you a note." Jallarzi slides a letter to Xanrym, "Bigby also left you a message, he simply wanted to tell you that you did a good job in Orlane, and that he told us to act us your advisors while you were in the city. Which of course we are happy to do." Otiluke rolls his eyes again. Jallarzi simply sits at the table looking at you, waiting for you to take all this in.
"Well, if there's anything Bigby is famous for, it's for lending a Bigby's Hand," Xanrym says wryly. "I'm glad to hear that Yr survived the demon attack that split us up, and I'm glad that Bigby has such a doughty companion for his next task." Xanrym tells them, briefly, about Orlane and its troubles with a naga-worshiping cult. He proudly explains how the Company defeated the naga, but he says, "We did not realize that a spirit naga would reform over time. Bigby was planning to return with more power to ensure that she does not."
Speaking of the naga reminds him of a question. He asks them, "In her ravings, the naga claimed to be the consort of the Undying King. Does the title 'Undying King' mean anything to you?"
After that, Xanrym turns his attention to what's next for the Company. He says, "Thank you! It is my first time in The Free City, and we could definitely use some advice." Once his food comes, he offers to buy Jallarzi and Otiluke another round of drinks while they talk. During the conversation, Xanrym tries to touch on the following questions:
Xanrym tells them of the help they received from Toska, a brave cleric of Saint Cuthbert. He feels that they led her to her death, and they came to The Free City hoping to find a cleric who could raise her. The Company has the treasure that they took from the naga's lair, but perhaps Jallarzi or Otiluke know of a cleric that's friendly to the Circle of Eight. Someone who would be willing to cast the spell for them without demanding too much in recompense. (Xanrym doesn't want to find himself indebted to the church of Pelor for the rest of his life.)
Xanrym points out Abramo. He explains the priest's insane fervor for the naga when he was under her spell and his current, unstable mental state. "We did not want to leave him in Orlane, where the site of his old temple could prove vexing, but I don't think that he's safe to leave on his own." He asks whether there are any healers could can treat maladies of the mind or some sort of sanitarium that might take charge of Abramo.
Xanrym asks some general questions about the city of Greyhawk just to get a better understanding of the city and which parts are considered "safe" and "unsafe." He also asks about fair merchants or tradespeople with a good reputation. If they have treasure leftover after getting help for Toska, they will want to purchase equipment, especially new or repaired armor and dependable weapons.
Other than this inn and Morley's Unearthed Arcana, are there particular places that are friendly to the agents of the Circle of Eight? In a strange city, Xanrym just wants to know a few places he could go if the Company gets into any trouble in the city.
Finally, and probably most importantly, Xanrym says, "Our Company has had quite an adventure and learned much! But we could certainly use the guidance of mentors." He asks whether they could recommend anyone who could help guide them or offer training. (OOC: I believe that Theldrin's former master is dead, and he was looking for a new wizard mentor. Presumably, Xanrym and the others could also benefit from having a master in their area. I guess there are no real game mechanics around this anymore, but there could be value in having some established relationships with more powerful NPCs in-world. That would give us someone to turn to if we get stumped or need someone to cast a powerful spell, like Bigby did to bring us to Greyhawk.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(The meals and board at this Inn are Comfortable, which is 5sp for meals, and 8sp for rooms.)
Jallarzi is interested by the mention of the Undying King, she promises to do some research once her current job is complete. She also makes the same recommendations as Vinme, to try the Temple of the Far Horizon, or Radiant Sun for both Toska and Abramo. "If Rigby was in the city we could ask him, but he's dealing with some problem over in the west. As for Greyhawk, you'll want to spend you time up here in the Upper or Central districts, it's pretty rough down past the south wall in the Lower District. But if you're looking for weapons and armour you'll have to go down to the Artisan's Quarter in the Central District, which is pretty close. If you want to find Otiluke or I, your best to look for us either in the Great Library or the Grand Citadel, both in the Upper District. This letter of recomendation will grant you access to the latter" She passes you a very fancy looking letter.
Otiluke turns his nose up even more when Xanrym asks to have Theldrin tutor with him, "I don't have any room for students at the moment. I am close to a breakthrough in my research and must spend most of my time in the Great Library."
Jallarzi explains that while she would be happy to take on a student, she's afraid she won't be able to help out with Theldrin's studies much. Her powers come form a patron rather than from the study of the arcane, and she pats the pseudodragon Edwina on her shoulder as she talks. She then sighs, "To be honest i've had enough excitement for one night. I must be off soon, unless there is anything else you need." She makes to get up and leave, as does Otiluke.
Theldrin brings his food over and mostly listens quietly and eats while Xanrym talks with Otiluke and Jallarzi. He smiles and acknowledges that it's not surprising neither of them would have time to help him with his studies, and thanks them for their time as he bids them good night. He's curious what the note from Yr says, once Xanrym has had a chance to read it.
Xanrym waves his hands in feigned embarrassment as though there was some misunderstanding. "Oh!", he protests, "No, no. I didn't expect that either of you would have time. I just thought that you may have a recommendation. But -- please -- keep us in mind in case you hear of any experienced and competent wizards or bards who are looking to take on a good journeyman like my friend here." He drops the topic and thanks them for the information, saying that the Company will certainly visit the recommended temples the next day to see what the clerics can do for Toska and Abramo. He takes the letter of recommendation and thanks Jallarzi, adding, "I hope that need will not soon drive us to disturb your work!"
Once Jallarzi and Otiluke depart, Xanrym opens and reads Yr's letter more carefully to see whether there's anything interesting there about Yr's adventures in the weeks since they split up or instructions for Xanrym.
Theldrin pays 3 gp for room, meal, wine, helping pay for Abramo, and gives the bar keep a tip. He's hoping to build a good rapport with the bar keep and hopefully gain useful information from him in the future but for now it's just a tip. (assuming the wine isn't too expensive, if it is will adjust)
Avery pays 3 gp for room and board. While I don't wish to butt in per say, but concerning our friend Toska, which of these great churches here in Greyhawk would you suggest we go to seeking aid? Can't hurt to get good info from the locals before we put forth our effort to convince a high priest. We don't have much time, and its our priority come the morn.
Once Xanrym reads Yr's letter, he should be ready for bedtime. The group will just need to set up a watch rotation to ensure that Abramo doesn't cause any problems or try to run away during the night. He's sure that the inn has seen its share of "excitement," but he doesn't want The Company of the Grey Chain to earn a bad reputation on their first night at the High Tower Inn!
Liarin has been growing visibly uncomfortable with the crowds and environments of the city and is retreating more into herself. She will take a room, but says to you all, "I want to see through taking care of Toska, but I think this is where we part ways, i need to get back to the wilds."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain Thelanis - Darkness Below: Kholias Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards. DM - The Old Keep
You find the rooms in the High Tower Inn to be some of the most comfortable you'd ever been in. You each get a small private room with duck down pillows and thick perfumed sheets. They all have small tables and supplies for any reading or work you'd want to do, and each room has a hooded lantern that is refilled each day so you can manage your own light. You all get a Long Rest, although I doubt any of you need it. Xanrym get's to read his letter and share the contents of it with you if he wishes.
You wake up in the morning and head back to the Church of St. Cuthbert. Vinme is waiting for you with Toska's body. She has meticulously washed and styled her so that she truly looks like the fallen hero she truly is. Vinme nods as you all come in, "Shall we head to the Temple of the Far Horizon? No time to waste."
You feel like you've learned Bigby's tells for his altered forms, as much as you can. No one in this room looks to be him. The two in the corner look at you all and then at each other. The angry bearded man sighs and then addresses you from across the room "Are you the Grey Links? Come here we have something to tell you." He seems frustrated that he has to talk to you at all.
Xanrym also asks for stabling for Heckle. At the mention of food, Xanrym realizes that he hasn't had anything to eat today other than week-old rations on their walk into Orlane. The activity and excitement since arriving in Orlane and their hasty departure drove out all thought of food for a while, but now he realizes that he's so hungry that he's getting a headache. He's fine with spicy food as long as it's fresh and filling.
Hearing bits of the conversation, Xanrym thinks that while he was starting to feel comfortable with Orlane, their sudden arrival in the Free City could be good for Theldrin. Other than Bigby, the wizard wasn't likely to find a mentor in the wild border region between the Gran March and Geoff. Greyhawk is the largest seat of power and commerce in this region, which makes it a great place for the Company to rest after their deadly and days-long struggle against that dreadful cult. He feels confident that they'll be able to find a healer for Toska, and if they have any treasure left over, it'll be much easier to reequip themselves here compared to in Orlane. The Free City may not be the best place for a druid like Liarin, but the rest of them could also spend a little time to make contacts and find mentors. In particular, Xanrym hopes to check-in with the agents of the Circle of Eight to see whether they have any assignment for him now that he has become separated from Yrag.
Xanrym assumes that the pair just have the name slightly wrong "Grey Links" vs. "Grey Chain." Until he learns who the pair is, he doesn't want to contradict them, but he'll walk over to their corner (with Theldrin and the others?) and says, "Yes, did someone leave a message for us? Our associate was headed here earlier." He thinks that Bigby may have told others to look out for the company. He wonders whether these two are also agents of the Circle of Eight and casually makes a sign with his hand as he approaches.
Using this feature of the Circle of Eight Faction Agent background:
You know a set of secret signs and passwords you can use to identify [other operatives]
Theldrin is instantly intrigued that the bearded man in the corner seems to be addressing the party, and heads over with Xanrym to see what he wants.
Avery is going to order food and ale, "Well, you know what iron rations are like, so any cooked meal would be great." He will keep an eye on the corner to see what transpires.
Erlynn happily organises stabling for Heckle and food for you all, "It'll be out in a jiffy, and here's your drinks." He hands you all your preferred drinks and takes your food orders back to the kitchen.
At the hand sign Xanrym makes the bearded man rolls his eyes, but the blonde woman motions for him to sit. She begins the conversation, "I see you've met some of our acquaintances before, so no need for any subterfuge. My name is Jallarzi Sallavarian, and my companion here is Otiluke. As you may have guest, we are members of the Citadel of Eight along with Bigby. He was in here a couple hours ago looking for people to accompany him to the Wild Coast, and while I would have loved to go I currently have a few things to do in the City. Otiluke of course wouldn't lift a finger either. We were dining with another one of our friends though, who did go with Bigby. I believe you may know him, he goes by Yr. When he found out that Bigby was travelling with a bard named Xanrym he was anxious to see you, but Bigby was in a hurry, so Yr simply left you a note." Jallarzi slides a letter to Xanrym, "Bigby also left you a message, he simply wanted to tell you that you did a good job in Orlane, and that he told us to act us your advisors while you were in the city. Which of course we are happy to do." Otiluke rolls his eyes again. Jallarzi simply sits at the table looking at you, waiting for you to take all this in.
Avery will purchase a meal for the priest, then have him sit next to him at a table near Xanrym who is having the conversation. Making sure the priest eats; he will nod to Jallarzi and Otiluke. (How much did it cost?)
"Jallarzi, Otiluke, it's an honor to meet you," Xanrym says. When he first started doing some work for the Circle of Eight, he was just happy that he had developed enough expertise to be of some value to such a renowned group of powerful heroes. He can hardly believe that he has now met four of the Eight! Xanrym takes the letter that Jallarzi hands him. He's happy that Yr is safe, but he's wonders at his luck that he missed Yr by just a few hours. He only opens the letter long enough to scan it and confirm that there's nothing urgent in it (e.g., meet Yr at a specific place tonight). Then he puts it away to read later and focuses on the current conversation.
"Well, if there's anything Bigby is famous for, it's for lending a Bigby's Hand," Xanrym says wryly. "I'm glad to hear that Yr survived the demon attack that split us up, and I'm glad that Bigby has such a doughty companion for his next task." Xanrym tells them, briefly, about Orlane and its troubles with a naga-worshiping cult. He proudly explains how the Company defeated the naga, but he says, "We did not realize that a spirit naga would reform over time. Bigby was planning to return with more power to ensure that she does not."
Speaking of the naga reminds him of a question. He asks them, "In her ravings, the naga claimed to be the consort of the Undying King. Does the title 'Undying King' mean anything to you?"
After that, Xanrym turns his attention to what's next for the Company. He says, "Thank you! It is my first time in The Free City, and we could definitely use some advice." Once his food comes, he offers to buy Jallarzi and Otiluke another round of drinks while they talk. During the conversation, Xanrym tries to touch on the following questions:
(OOC: I believe that Theldrin's former master is dead, and he was looking for a new wizard mentor. Presumably, Xanrym and the others could also benefit from having a master in their area. I guess there are no real game mechanics around this anymore, but there could be value in having some established relationships with more powerful NPCs in-world. That would give us someone to turn to if we get stumped or need someone to cast a powerful spell, like Bigby did to bring us to Greyhawk.)
(The meals and board at this Inn are Comfortable, which is 5sp for meals, and 8sp for rooms.)
Jallarzi is interested by the mention of the Undying King, she promises to do some research once her current job is complete. She also makes the same recommendations as Vinme, to try the Temple of the Far Horizon, or Radiant Sun for both Toska and Abramo. "If Rigby was in the city we could ask him, but he's dealing with some problem over in the west. As for Greyhawk, you'll want to spend you time up here in the Upper or Central districts, it's pretty rough down past the south wall in the Lower District. But if you're looking for weapons and armour you'll have to go down to the Artisan's Quarter in the Central District, which is pretty close. If you want to find Otiluke or I, your best to look for us either in the Great Library or the Grand Citadel, both in the Upper District. This letter of recomendation will grant you access to the latter" She passes you a very fancy looking letter.
Xanrym DC 20 Persuasion check: 15
Otiluke turns his nose up even more when Xanrym asks to have Theldrin tutor with him, "I don't have any room for students at the moment. I am close to a breakthrough in my research and must spend most of my time in the Great Library."
Jallarzi explains that while she would be happy to take on a student, she's afraid she won't be able to help out with Theldrin's studies much. Her powers come form a patron rather than from the study of the arcane, and she pats the pseudodragon Edwina on her shoulder as she talks. She then sighs, "To be honest i've had enough excitement for one night. I must be off soon, unless there is anything else you need." She makes to get up and leave, as does Otiluke.
Theldrin brings his food over and mostly listens quietly and eats while Xanrym talks with Otiluke and Jallarzi. He smiles and acknowledges that it's not surprising neither of them would have time to help him with his studies, and thanks them for their time as he bids them good night. He's curious what the note from Yr says, once Xanrym has had a chance to read it.
Xanrym waves his hands in feigned embarrassment as though there was some misunderstanding. "Oh!", he protests, "No, no. I didn't expect that either of you would have time. I just thought that you may have a recommendation. But -- please -- keep us in mind in case you hear of any experienced and competent wizards or bards who are looking to take on a good journeyman like my friend here." He drops the topic and thanks them for the information, saying that the Company will certainly visit the recommended temples the next day to see what the clerics can do for Toska and Abramo. He takes the letter of recommendation and thanks Jallarzi, adding, "I hope that need will not soon drive us to disturb your work!"
Once Jallarzi and Otiluke depart, Xanrym opens and reads Yr's letter more carefully to see whether there's anything interesting there about Yr's adventures in the weeks since they split up or instructions for Xanrym.
Xanrym pays 2 gp for his own room and meal and a portion of the cost for Abramo. He's assuming that Abramo has little to no coin on him.
Theldrin pays 3 gp for room, meal, wine, helping pay for Abramo, and gives the bar keep a tip. He's hoping to build a good rapport with the bar keep and hopefully gain useful information from him in the future but for now it's just a tip. (assuming the wine isn't too expensive, if it is will adjust)
Avery pays 3 gp for room and board. While I don't wish to butt in per say, but concerning our friend Toska, which of these great churches here in Greyhawk would you suggest we go to seeking aid? Can't hurt to get good info from the locals before we put forth our effort to convince a high priest. We don't have much time, and its our priority come the morn.
(OOC: @Aaggie - I think that they already answered that question:
)
Once Xanrym reads Yr's letter, he should be ready for bedtime. The group will just need to set up a watch rotation to ensure that Abramo doesn't cause any problems or try to run away during the night. He's sure that the inn has seen its share of "excitement," but he doesn't want The Company of the Grey Chain to earn a bad reputation on their first night at the High Tower Inn!
Avery finishes his meal and ale and heads off to his room and will stand his watch at his appointed time.
Liarin has been growing visibly uncomfortable with the crowds and environments of the city and is retreating more into herself. She will take a room, but says to you all, "I want to see through taking care of Toska, but I think this is where we part ways, i need to get back to the wilds."
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Thelanis - Darkness Below: Kholias
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
You find the rooms in the High Tower Inn to be some of the most comfortable you'd ever been in. You each get a small private room with duck down pillows and thick perfumed sheets. They all have small tables and supplies for any reading or work you'd want to do, and each room has a hooded lantern that is refilled each day so you can manage your own light. You all get a Long Rest, although I doubt any of you need it. Xanrym get's to read his letter and share the contents of it with you if he wishes.
You wake up in the morning and head back to the Church of St. Cuthbert. Vinme is waiting for you with Toska's body. She has meticulously washed and styled her so that she truly looks like the fallen hero she truly is. Vinme nods as you all come in, "Shall we head to the Temple of the Far Horizon? No time to waste."
Avery, with the priest in tow, nods he is ready