“Two people? But we captured only one merchant...” the Harper agent stops a moment to ponder. “It seems that bloody daughter of a swine managed to hidesome information from us after all. Let death serve her right,” he seems to say it to himself.
“It matters not. They grew suspicious, you scared them with a few bruises and planted the pin,” he correctly deduces. “Alright, I guess that is as good as I would have done myself in a similar situation. Very well, very well” he says, coming to terms with the necessary improvisation that comes with the lack of correct information. “Now I can only hope they eventually make it back to their actual hideout before noticing the pin” he calms himself down a bit.
“Then, what was this about a third party getting involved?”
"If I may expound upon what my colleague has so succinctly stated, the seller was spooked by our numbers and by our desire to examine the egg, which was our part of our prescient plan to plant the pin. A fight broke out almost immediately. We had no choice but to render the seller and her guards unconscious. One of her guards escaped. I planted the pin on the seller while she was unconscious. Just as we were about to leave, another roguish fellow--a Welcomer--arrived, carrying the body of the escaped guard, and with several of his own lackeys in attendance. He informed us that in order obtain easement to the barn's egress, we must first render custody of the egg unto him and his band of one-eared ruffians. Of course, this was an unacceptable situation for us, so we once again engaged in pitched combat. We handled the six newcomers rather handily, and when all had fallen, we returned as directed."
"When we left, I revived the seller. I left her the payment and a note expressing my assurances that we bear her and her companions no ill will. Furthermore, she has no notion that she bears a pin capable of allowing her enemies to reconnoiter her in whatever bastion of security she may seek. Therefore, I feel it quite likely she will return to her 'hideout', as you say."
"As you can observe from this saga, our performance was undoubtedly above and beyond the expectations set for us in the antecedent meeting. Therefore I think a renegotiation of our wages is in order."
(OOC I was writing this when the above text was posted, which is why it seems out of order. This was a lot of fun to write!)
“Welcomers, you said? Ha! This is good news then. I’m unsure of how they caught wind of this meeting but better them than anyone else. The Harpers have some clout with the local thieves’ guild. Normally we would have informed them of such a dealing but there was simply no time for that this evening. Worry not, I’ll arrange a meeting to clear this with them. This does not need to involve you any longer.”
“As for your payment... well, let’s see that egg first” (Cato needs to roll a persuasion check, please).
(OOC: that was quite a speech by Cato. I enjoyed reading that. I’ll give you inspiration if you’d like to roll your check with advantage).
Utar coughs, clearing his throat, and places his hand on his amulet. Invoking Torm's aid, he casts guidance on himself.
Sidling up to the Harper, he leans in conspiratorially and whispers. "I hope the grateful Harpers will ensure that we are properly compensated," he growls, "my companions here have already explained the litany of foul ups we have already navigated on your behalf." Sighing heavily he continues "After all, I don't think you would want anyone knowing how close this all was to going south..."
Skill check - Intimidation (plus 1d4 from guidance) 21 plus 1
The Harper looks at Drazzim, taking the offered dragon egg without saying a word. He carefully examines the the object, taking a close look at its ridges, tapping its rocky shell, and laying his half-elven ear on its bottom. Then, with a movement of his arms as if he is trying to weigh the egg, his facial expression changes to one of disappointment. "It seems no one had intentions of exchanging actual items of value this evening. This egg is as fake as the gems you left them. A fantastically faithful replica, but a ruse nonetheless." He then turns to Cato, offering the egg. "Here, how about this for a renegotiation of your wages. Keep it as a memento. I care not."
This is when Utar steps closer to the half-elf. Feeling the half-orc's hostility and realizing he is outnumbered, the Harper agent mutters in a much more respectful tone than the one used in your first encounter: "Well now, son of Torm, you wouldn't want to engage in the third scuffle of your evening, would you?" his voice cracking in fear. "Here is the payment we agreed on." he hands over to Utar a heavy saddle pouch containing 160gp, before reaching into his cloak a second time and delivering another pouch, albeit smaller. "And consider this a token of appreciation for all your efforts. This is my personal coin pouch and its contents are yours and your friends now," he says, feeling mugged. "I have nothing else."
Inside the pouch, you find what amounts to another 35gp and 20sp. There is also a single potion of healing within.
(OOC @MoistBooks: Yeah, that was an unlucky roll... Cato got a 3 and a 4 on that persuasion check. Thankfully Utar's intimidation check was luckier ;) ).
Drazzim looks back to the fake egg. "Sho, I wonder whatsh inside." He says, slowly reaching for the greataxe on his back. "Bloody harpers, meshing in stuff. You should really check your facsh next time."
He'll place a foot atop the egg, then attempt to crack it like a boiled egg with his greataxe.
The greatsword slashes into the egg with a loud crack, revealing that it is nothing more than a solid hunk of stone carefully sculpted to imitate a scaly, rocky dragon egg. The shades of red on the exterior crack and peel off, exposing nothing more than intricate lacquer work. To Drazzim's eyes, this is undoubtedly the work of a master dwarf stonemason and/or sculptor.
More interestingly perhaps, the last remnants of an arcane sheen leave the object once the greatsword finds its target. As this happens, the vestigial sheen gives out a quick bright burst of white light, but its intensity is too weak to cause any adverse effect on those standing around.
The Harper agent takes this opportunity to give out a warning: “We have seen an increased interest in all things related to dragons. We have also heard of more dragon sightings in the Moonsea region (where Phlan is located)—and elsewhere. Keep your eyes and ears open for further information on dragons. It might save your life.”
With that, the Harper agent's stance signals that he is ready to leave.
"Pah, phony egg..."Drazzim says, picking up a couple of the pieces. "Aye, but the craftsmanship is very good quality."He looks to the harper. "Whoever made thish egg's proabably a stonemason of high standard; probably a dwarf by my lookings."
At the sight of his coins being passed around, the Harper agent snorts "Farewell. I hope to never see any of you ever again." The half-elf walks away and disappears into the last few moments of darkness, as the sun begins to rise on the horizon.
(OOC #1: This brings our short one-shot to an end. The total amount of XP earned by the party is 550 points (or 110 XP each).
(OOC #2: For the sake of comprehensive record keeping, I'd like for someone to actively claim the potion of healing the Harper forked over. By default, I'll assume Utar has it since the pouch containing it was given to him).
(OOC #3: If it strikes your fancy, I'll ask that each of you post at least one more time detailing what your characters do after the Harper leaves -- a conclusion of sorts. Feel free to keep the dialog going for a bit too. For example, is your character going back into the Kettle to hang out, finding another spot in Phlan or the Moonsea region, riding into the sunrise, etc).
(OOC #4: For those of you that may be interested, the Kettle has plenty more to offer. I plan on starting the second (out of five) of these short one-shots soon and will make a separate posting for it. If you'd like to join, let me know. No need to reapply. If not, no worries, and I hope to catch you again around this forum sometime. At any rate, thank you everyone for being part of my very first PbP experience, I learned a lot over these last 8 or so days).
Utar chuckles and deposits his gold in his pouch. Absently patting his hand against it. "No idea friend, although I'm not sorry to see him go."
Utar places his tabbard back over his head and chainmail and cinches a leather belt about his waist. Hoisting his pack he suddenly remembers, "That pox ridden Harper left this behind," brandishing the potion of healing "I have no need to it, but one of you maybe?"
Utar places the potion on a upright bale of hay and makes to leave the stables, looking over his shoulder, "I'll be at the Temple of Torm if any of you need aid, I would gladly give it. Else, mayhap I'll see you at The Kettle, I owe you all at least an ale."
With that Utar leaves, he has fresh alms for Torm's work, and news to relay to the other priests. He hopes he will bump into the party again.
(OOC - Thanks for the one shot, it was great and really scratched an itch for me. I'd be very interested in another if I'm welcome. It's been a pleasure.)
Cato contemplates a warm bed in The Kettle. But an exciting world of nocturnal creatures beckons. He puts his coins in a pouch on his belt and adjusts his pack. "Well, my friends, I think I am going to spend a few days in the woods. Perhaps we should all get out of town for a while; the Welcomers are not likely to take their defeat lying down." Cato shakes everyone's hand and walks toward the nearest treeline, hoping to add some samples to his collection tonight, and calculating how many more jobs like tonight's he will have to do until he can purchase that high-quality magnifying glass he has had his eye on.
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IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
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"Hey! You sent us theah with wwong infoahmation!" Orla says and pouts. "They weah onwy expecting two peopwe and got jumpy."
“Two people? But we captured only one merchant...” the Harper agent stops a moment to ponder. “It seems that bloody daughter of a swine managed to hide some information from us after all. Let death serve her right,” he seems to say it to himself.
“It matters not. They grew suspicious, you scared them with a few bruises and planted the pin,” he correctly deduces. “Alright, I guess that is as good as I would have done myself in a similar situation. Very well, very well” he says, coming to terms with the necessary improvisation that comes with the lack of correct information. “Now I can only hope they eventually make it back to their actual hideout before noticing the pin” he calms himself down a bit.
“Then, what was this about a third party getting involved?”
"If I may expound upon what my colleague has so succinctly stated, the seller was spooked by our numbers and by our desire to examine the egg, which was our part of our prescient plan to plant the pin. A fight broke out almost immediately. We had no choice but to render the seller and her guards unconscious. One of her guards escaped. I planted the pin on the seller while she was unconscious. Just as we were about to leave, another roguish fellow--a Welcomer--arrived, carrying the body of the escaped guard, and with several of his own lackeys in attendance. He informed us that in order obtain easement to the barn's egress, we must first render custody of the egg unto him and his band of one-eared ruffians. Of course, this was an unacceptable situation for us, so we once again engaged in pitched combat. We handled the six newcomers rather handily, and when all had fallen, we returned as directed."
"When we left, I revived the seller. I left her the payment and a note expressing my assurances that we bear her and her companions no ill will. Furthermore, she has no notion that she bears a pin capable of allowing her enemies to reconnoiter her in whatever bastion of security she may seek. Therefore, I feel it quite likely she will return to her 'hideout', as you say."
"As you can observe from this saga, our performance was undoubtedly above and beyond the expectations set for us in the antecedent meeting. Therefore I think a renegotiation of our wages is in order."
(OOC I was writing this when the above text was posted, which is why it seems out of order. This was a lot of fun to write!)
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands
PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
“Welcomers, you said? Ha! This is good news then. I’m unsure of how they caught wind of this meeting but better them than anyone else. The Harpers have some clout with the local thieves’ guild. Normally we would have informed them of such a dealing but there was simply no time for that this evening. Worry not, I’ll arrange a meeting to clear this with them. This does not need to involve you any longer.”
“As for your payment... well, let’s see that egg first” (Cato needs to roll a persuasion check, please).
(OOC: that was quite a speech by Cato. I enjoyed reading that. I’ll give you inspiration if you’d like to roll your check with advantage).
Utar coughs, clearing his throat, and places his hand on his amulet. Invoking Torm's aid, he casts guidance on himself.
Sidling up to the Harper, he leans in conspiratorially and whispers. "I hope the grateful Harpers will ensure that we are properly compensated," he growls, "my companions here have already explained the litany of foul ups we have already navigated on your behalf." Sighing heavily he continues "After all, I don't think you would want anyone knowing how close this all was to going south..."
Skill check - Intimidation (plus 1d4 from guidance) 21 plus 1
Drazzim brings the egg forward. "There yer are, not a shcratch on it." He says, patting the top of the egg.
Cato's Persuasion: 5
OOC: Wow, that was an impressive roll!
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands
PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery
Was that with advantage?
The Harper looks at Drazzim, taking the offered dragon egg without saying a word. He carefully examines the the object, taking a close look at its ridges, tapping its rocky shell, and laying his half-elven ear on its bottom. Then, with a movement of his arms as if he is trying to weigh the egg, his facial expression changes to one of disappointment. "It seems no one had intentions of exchanging actual items of value this evening. This egg is as fake as the gems you left them. A fantastically faithful replica, but a ruse nonetheless." He then turns to Cato, offering the egg. "Here, how about this for a renegotiation of your wages. Keep it as a memento. I care not."
This is when Utar steps closer to the half-elf. Feeling the half-orc's hostility and realizing he is outnumbered, the Harper agent mutters in a much more respectful tone than the one used in your first encounter: "Well now, son of Torm, you wouldn't want to engage in the third scuffle of your evening, would you?" his voice cracking in fear. "Here is the payment we agreed on." he hands over to Utar a heavy saddle pouch containing 160gp, before reaching into his cloak a second time and delivering another pouch, albeit smaller. "And consider this a token of appreciation for all your efforts. This is my personal coin pouch and its contents are yours and your friends now," he says, feeling mugged. "I have nothing else."
Inside the pouch, you find what amounts to another 35gp and 20sp. There is also a single potion of healing within.
(OOC @MoistBooks: Yeah, that was an unlucky roll... Cato got a 3 and a 4 on that persuasion check. Thankfully Utar's intimidation check was luckier ;) ).
Drazzim looks back to the fake egg. "Sho, I wonder whatsh inside." He says, slowly reaching for the greataxe on his back. "Bloody harpers, meshing in stuff. You should really check your facsh next time."
He'll place a foot atop the egg, then attempt to crack it like a boiled egg with his greataxe.
(OOC: Ha! I like Drazzim's reaction. Give me an attack roll with advantage to see if you can break through the stony shell. AC 15).
Orla will take a few steps back. Just in case it explodes or something.
(Fair enough. He's hoping it's like a pinata!)
Drazzim's Greatsword Attack: 17 vs. AC. Hit: 14 slashing damage.
The greatsword slashes into the egg with a loud crack, revealing that it is nothing more than a solid hunk of stone carefully sculpted to imitate a scaly, rocky dragon egg. The shades of red on the exterior crack and peel off, exposing nothing more than intricate lacquer work. To Drazzim's eyes, this is undoubtedly the work of a master dwarf stonemason and/or sculptor.
More interestingly perhaps, the last remnants of an arcane sheen leave the object once the greatsword finds its target. As this happens, the vestigial sheen gives out a quick bright burst of white light, but its intensity is too weak to cause any adverse effect on those standing around.
The Harper agent takes this opportunity to give out a warning: “We have seen an increased interest in all things related to dragons. We have also heard of more dragon sightings in the Moonsea region (where Phlan is located)—and elsewhere. Keep your eyes and ears open for further information on dragons. It might save your life.”
With that, the Harper agent's stance signals that he is ready to leave.
"Pah, phony egg..." Drazzim says, picking up a couple of the pieces. "Aye, but the craftsmanship is very good quality." He looks to the harper. "Whoever made thish egg's proabably a stonemason of high standard; probably a dwarf by my lookings."
Utar smiles, bearing his lower teeth at the half elf. "Thank you, friend." The last word drips with sarcasm.
Utar busies himself dividing up the gold and dealing it out between the party. (39 gold, 4 silver each - correct my maths if needed.)
At the sight of his coins being passed around, the Harper agent snorts "Farewell. I hope to never see any of you ever again." The half-elf walks away and disappears into the last few moments of darkness, as the sun begins to rise on the horizon.
(OOC #1: This brings our short one-shot to an end. The total amount of XP earned by the party is 550 points (or 110 XP each).
(OOC #2: For the sake of comprehensive record keeping, I'd like for someone to actively claim the potion of healing the Harper forked over. By default, I'll assume Utar has it since the pouch containing it was given to him).
(OOC #3: If it strikes your fancy, I'll ask that each of you post at least one more time detailing what your characters do after the Harper leaves -- a conclusion of sorts. Feel free to keep the dialog going for a bit too. For example, is your character going back into the Kettle to hang out, finding another spot in Phlan or the Moonsea region, riding into the sunrise, etc).
(OOC #4: For those of you that may be interested, the Kettle has plenty more to offer. I plan on starting the second (out of five) of these short one-shots soon and will make a separate posting for it. If you'd like to join, let me know. No need to reapply. If not, no worries, and I hope to catch you again around this forum sometime. At any rate, thank you everyone for being part of my very first PbP experience, I learned a lot over these last 8 or so days).
Drazzim looks to the harper, completely unaware of Utar's animosity with him. "Huh, what's got hish loin cloth in a twisht?"
(Hey, thanks for a great one-shot! That was really enjoyable. I'd happily be around for another one when the chance comes up :-) )
Utar chuckles and deposits his gold in his pouch. Absently patting his hand against it. "No idea friend, although I'm not sorry to see him go."
Utar places his tabbard back over his head and chainmail and cinches a leather belt about his waist. Hoisting his pack he suddenly remembers, "That pox ridden Harper left this behind," brandishing the potion of healing "I have no need to it, but one of you maybe?"
Utar places the potion on a upright bale of hay and makes to leave the stables, looking over his shoulder, "I'll be at the Temple of Torm if any of you need aid, I would gladly give it. Else, mayhap I'll see you at The Kettle, I owe you all at least an ale."
With that Utar leaves, he has fresh alms for Torm's work, and news to relay to the other priests. He hopes he will bump into the party again.
(OOC - Thanks for the one shot, it was great and really scratched an itch for me. I'd be very interested in another if I'm welcome. It's been a pleasure.)
Cato contemplates a warm bed in The Kettle. But an exciting world of nocturnal creatures beckons. He puts his coins in a pouch on his belt and adjusts his pack. "Well, my friends, I think I am going to spend a few days in the woods. Perhaps we should all get out of town for a while; the Welcomers are not likely to take their defeat lying down." Cato shakes everyone's hand and walks toward the nearest treeline, hoping to add some samples to his collection tonight, and calculating how many more jobs like tonight's he will have to do until he can purchase that high-quality magnifying glass he has had his eye on.
IRL: Dungeon Master--Adventures in the Cassitana Islands
PbP: Player--Esvaris Liadon, Wood Elf Monk 2/Cleric 2--Clerical Heirs: A Divine Mystery