Nare smiles, completely overjoyed by everyone's enthusiasm for both him and Ororanna joining. It takes him a lot to not jump around in wild excitement, so he does what he usually does, which is stand and stare with a big goofy smile.
His eyes widen at Sera's sudden display of affection for Hastos's rear. He holds back a snort for it, instead averting his gaze towards where the cage that his mouse was in. "Thank you, thank you all,"he says, slightly with a bow. Bringing his cane in front of him, then one leg at a time, he shuffles down towards the cage. Knowing it would take a bit longer than he originally thought, he turns around as says, "I am honored to be here. You won't regret it," before setting Lennie the mouse into it so it can finish its food.
"The armies..." he mumbles along with Sera.
Staring at the candle in Hastos's hand, he scrunches his nose like trying to sniff it. "The candle maker? Strange. I wonder if she has more in store... Is she still around? I would like to visit her."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
“Dana said sorry for giving you a candle? Why’s this town got so many strange customs” Merkas hops up to sit on the end of the bed. “As for what direction first then clearing a dead dragons hoard sounds good enough. My mother used to say ‘You gotta run before you crawl’, which I didn’t think made any sense until I was older and figured she meant you have to get where you’re going before you do what needs done. So, as much as I think helping another city with an invasion is important, I think the dragon hoard is a better step for Santkh right now. Bucky wants to come along, Gramma Kasi and Amelista can watch over the guild and recruit, Maybe Ory you should try to clear some of Amelista’s stack of small errands?”
Ororana looks equally puzzled by Dana's actions. "That's hardly a custom. Dana gave candles out to the refugees, but nothing like that. They're usually just simple white candles imbued with scents to cover up the stench and provide heat during the night. She might be the sweetest person in town, but she's an odd one. She's helped treat wounds for free, sang lullabies to orphaned children, and frequently shared her rations with the hungry. I've seen her sneak out of Santekh at night. Where she goes is anyone's guess, and I figure she just likes the solitude of the desert. I used to do the same thing in the graveyard, before I saw... well... what I thought were ghosts. Turns out they were just cultists." She lets out an embarrased laugh. "Most people in Santekh are haunted by something though. Some people drink; some people dance; some people sneak away to a quiet place. But no one just starts doling out Very Rare magic items."
Hearing Merkas's suggestion, she smiles. "You got it, boss! I'll take the new recruits that Kasi and Amelista find tonight, and head out in the morning."
Bastion Turn Orders: Recruit (Amelista and Kasi): Amelista and Kasi recruit 4 Defenders (Kasi found 1 Mage (Half-Orc), and Amelista finds 1 Gladiator (Human) and 2 Commoners (Kender) Run Bounties 1x/Day (Ororana): Guild Dues (10 Stl per Bounty, 70 Stl per week) Ororana takes the Spy, the Apprectice Wizard, and the Scout on the first bounty.
New NPCs unlocked! Mage:Orr the Unseen. Orr (they/them) works in the redlight district that has been established just beyond the Residential District. They provide lighting and special effects for the dancers. Preferring to remain hidden backstage, they aren't particularly social, but they have a gentle spirit. They came to Santekh with the Refugees brought here by Dawnbound and have been earning an honest living using their simple illusions with their orc friends, who became the erotic dancers.
Benefit: Orr can provide entertainment for the guild members if you build a Theater and use the Bastion Order Empower. At the end of a rehearsal period, each character who contributed to the concert or production can make a DC 15 Charisma (Performance) check. If more of these checks succeed than fail, you and any other character who contributed to the concert or production each gain a Theater die, a d6. This die increases to a d8 when you reach level 13 and a d10 when you reach level 17. At any point after the rehearsals end, a character can expend their Theater die to roll it and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw they make. If a character hasn’t expended their Theater die before gaining another, their first die is lost.
Gladiator: Cyrus. Cyrus (he/him) was a rebel fighter in the Dragon Army wars, but was captured. His combat prowess earned him a role as a Gladiator until he won his freedom. He's middle-aged and hobbled from years of gritty combat, but his skill with Spear and Shield is well respected. He was recruited initially into Tekel's mercenary band, but defected after their fall from grace. He's grateful to play his part for a mercenary guild that isn't corrupted.
Benefit: Combat and Maintain only.
Commoner: Catt Ringglimmer (she/her). Catt is an elder kender who loves jewels. She tends to be playful and mischeivous, and is not quite as clever as she thinks she is. She wanted to run Amber's store in her abscence, but Amber knows better than to trust another kender with bags of freshly cut gems. So, she mostly gambles in The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall for coin. Being recruited to Dawndbound was a huge boon for her, as she's always wanted to travel and go on adventures.
Benefit: If you build a Gaming Hall, she can work the tables if she has 3 other Hirelings. You can use the Bastion Order Trade to gain Stl each week. A Gaming Hall offers recreational activities ranging from chessboards and darts to card games and dice. When you issue the Trade order to this facility, you commission the facility’s hirelings to turn the Gaming Hall into a gambling den for 7 days. At the end of the seventh day, roll percentile dice and consult the Gambling Den Winnings Table to determine your portion of the house's winnings:
Commoner: Ringmar Downyheels (he/him). Ringmar is a young kender with a lot of imagination and gumption. Inspired by Dawnbound, he was almost too eager to be recruited. Now that Santekh is mostly construced, he has a lot of time on his hands, which tends to get him in typical Kender misheif. Amelista saw an opportunity to keep those nimble fingers busy by giving him a position in the guild. He views Merkas as a legend, and the true leader of Dawnbound, and wants nothing more than to prove his worth to Merkas.
Benefit: If you build a Garden, you can use the Bastion Order Harvest. A Bastion can have more than one Garden. Each time you add a Garden to your Bastion, choose its type from the following options: Decorative Garden. This aesthetically pleasing Garden is full of flowers and topiaries. Food Garden. Delicious mushrooms or vegetables are grown here. Herb Garden. This Garden contains rare herbs, some of which have medicinal uses. Poison Garden. This Garden is stocked with plants and fungi from which poisons and antitoxins can be extracted. While in your Bastion, you can instruct the facility’s hireling to change the Garden from one type to another. This work takes 21 days, during which time no other activity can occur in this facility. When you issue the Harvest order to this facility, you commission the facility’s hireling to collect items of value from the Garden as noted in the Garden Harvest table. The work takes 7 days and costs you no money.
GARDEN HARVEST Decorative: The Garden produces either ten exquisite floral bouquets or ten vials of Perfume. Each of these can be sold for 5 Stl.
Food: The Garden produces mushrooms and vegetables that are sold to earn you 50 GP.
Herb: The Garden produces herbs that are used to create a Potion of Healing.
Poison: The Garden produces plants that are used to create either two vials of Antitoxin or one vial of Basic Poison.
Enlarging a Garden. You can enlarge your Garden to a Vast facility by spending 2000 Stl. A Vast Garden is equivalent to two Roomy Gardens, and can include two of the same type of garden or two different types. When you issue the Harvest order to a Vast Garden, each component garden produces its own harvest A Vast Garden gains 1 additional hireling.
Ororana will take Orr the Unseen, Cyrus, and Ringmar Downyheels on the first bounty. Each NPC will gain enough XP to take their first level. Orr will become a Wizard. Cyrus will become a Blood Hunter. Ringmar Downyheels will become a Druid.
Sera watched the settlement around her hum with restless energy. The Dawnbound guild was still little more than talk and promise, but already people were busy — running messages, debating plans, sketching maps and lists she barely followed. It made her head spin.
She wasn’t made for paperwork. She’d been a street girl once — quick with her hands, quicker with her wits — not some officer buried in parchment.
After a few drills with her sword, she felt the now-familiar weariness creep in. The armor drank from her; she could feel it. But she also felt its strength running through her veins like heat. It was a bargain she’d chosen to live with.
Back in her small room at the Laughing Dwarf Inn, she looked at the old gown folded across the chair. It didn’t fit her anymore — not since the armor had bound itself to her. Still, she wasn’t about to spend the evening sulking. With a mix of concentration and curiosity, she coaxed the living shell to shift. The dark chitin rippled like liquid night, adjusting under her will. The neckline deepened, forming a daring cleavage showing her breast. It parted reluctantly to expose her belly some.Her crotchless part widened. A black silken lioncloth covered ...enough. Showing skin made it feel vulnerable but Sera convinced it Her shoulders gleamed under the faint candlelight, and the armor’s veins hid making it look like polished obsidian. Not so alien.
Sera turned in the mirror and allowed herself a small, confident smile. She looked dangerous — and beautiful in a way that made her heart beat faster.
She draped a sheer wrap over her arms, strapped her sword at her side — she wouldn’t go unarmed, not in these times — and took one last look around the room. The laughter and music from below reached her ears.
“Just one night,” she murmured to herself. “One night to breathe before tomorrow.”
With that, she opened the door and stepped downstairs into the inn’s warm, golden glow — ready to lose herself in the noise, the music, and the promise of a few carefree hours.
The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall is bustling with activity. There's music, dancing, gambling, and drinking. Most people seem to be having a good time. Glynnis hired a full staff after Dawnbound returned with the supplies, and she decided to keep them on board to handle the increased business. As such, Glynnis and Handar are sitting at the bar chatting when you come downstairs.
Handar gets up and approaches you to appraise your new outfit. "Ye look... beautiful Sera! All me life I ne'er seen a dress like that! Musta set ye back a few Steel, but it's worth erry coin!" He gives you a hug, but releases quickly when he feels how... lithe the material feels. Glynnis orders you a glass of wine and sets it on the bar. "S'pose ye'll be moving out to yer new guild hall now's ye got one." She says, trying to sound like she won't miss making breakfast for you in the morning. "Bout time... I'm losing money by not rentin' the rooms." Her smile is warm, but she hides it under a frothy beer.
Handar raises an eyebrow at Glynnis. "The kids" are most of what she talks about, and he knows it. "Ye know... now's Glynnis got the place staffed, I ain't doin' much round here. If'n... ye know... the guild needs a chef..."
Hastos spends the afternoon cleaning up and washing. He cleans up his new armor and dons the old, worn red cloak. He sets his great axe in the hilt on his back and the scimitar at his side. He also slings the shield across his back. He looks like he’s about to present for inspection rather than an evening in a pub. But given how things seem to go in that tavern, he’s not going to take any chances.
Hastos heads down in time to see Handar release Sera from a hug. He could help but notice Sera’s form was well represented and her dress made her look almost regal.
Hastos meets Handars hand with a firm handshake and Glynnis feels like she’s trying to break his neck with her hug. Hastos turns to Sera and gives her a hug as well. He resists the instinctual reaction to pull away as he feels the armor writhe ever so slightly at their contact. “Wow, you look… stunning, Sera!” He says, slightly regretting his choice in attire.
Hastos scans the room for potentially shady characters. (Perception: 17). “Everyone behaving themselves so far?” Hastos asks Sera as he concludes his scan of the room.
Merkas heads over to the Smithy near closing time, attempting to catch the Forgemaster as they close up and inform them that Barkly will be coming on a trip shortly with Dawnbound. After a short discussion and heartfelt thanks for stabling the strider while he and his companions were tied up with the council and court events he bids them farewell and heads in to visit with Barkly. (Cast Speak with Animals from the Ring of Animal Influence)
”Hey Barkly; these guys treat you well today? They aren’t forcing you to work too hard right?” Having the ability to directly speak with the strider only increased the kenders verbal deluge whenever he stopped by for a visit “Looks like we’re going out to search a dragon cave in a day or so, I hope you will come, I miss our times together. Really didn’t think that searching a graveyard would take almost a month away from me, helping people can take a long time, y’know. I might need to find a way to stop getting older if every time we accomplish something it takes a month or more for all the councils and stuff to decide how good it is. We’re likely taking Buckeran along. You think you could carry both him and I?”Merkas settles in beside Barkly leaning against their flank. Pulling out some raw mutton he picked up in one of the shops for her to munch on. “Oh, I never asked if you liked the name Barkly, if you have another you like better then I will call you that. Sure is nice being able to chat with you properly now. Kasi did a great job with this ring. Going to have to make some choices soon though, got to many of these items that need special attention, The guild symbol, this bloodvial, my cloak - looks good on me don’t it?, the ring that will keep us healthy together, and I gotta decide if the fancy book Bucky was worried about is something I wanna test out, whatcha think?”
Hastos spends the afternoon cleaning up and washing. He cleans up his new armor and dons the old, worn red cloak. He sets his great axe in the hilt on his back and the scimitar at his side. He also slings the shield across his back. He looks like he’s about to present for inspection rather than an evening in a pub. But given how things seem to go in that tavern, he’s not going to take any chances.
Hastos heads down in time to see Handar release Sera from a hug. He could help but notice Sera’s form was well represented and her dress made her look almost regal.
Hastos meets Handars hand with a firm handshake and Glynnis feels like she’s trying to break his neck with her hug. Hastos turns to Sera and gives her a hug as well. He resists the instinctual reaction to pull away as he feels the armor writhe ever so slightly at their contact. “Wow, you look… stunning, Sera!” He says, slightly regretting his choice in attire.
Hastos scans the room for potentially shady characters. (Perception: 17). “Everyone behaving themselves so far?” Hastos asks Sera as he concludes his scan of the room.
Glynnis laughs heartily, "As well as c'n be expected! A few cups an' plates broken here er there, but we ne'er been busier! Me only concern is runnin' outta beer! But there's still coffee. I dunna un'erstand wha' these locals like abou' the taste, but it's cheap an' brews quick." She appraises your new armor. "Seems yer doin' well too! The new look suits ye' better than that busted up gear ye been clangin' around in. What're ye two up to t'day?"
Merkas heads over to the Smithy near closing time, attempting to catch the Forgemaster as they close up and inform them that Barkly will be coming on a trip shortly with Dawnbound. After a short discussion and heartfelt thanks for stabling the strider while he and his companions were tied up with the council and court events he bids them farewell and heads in to visit with Barkly. (Cast Speak with Animals from the Ring of Animal Influence)
”Hey Barkly; these guys treat you well today? They aren’t forcing you to work too hard right?” Having the ability to directly speak with the strider only increased the kenders verbal deluge whenever he stopped by for a visit “Looks like we’re going out to search a dragon cave in a day or so, I hope you will come, I miss our times together. Really didn’t think that searching a graveyard would take almost a month away from me, helping people can take a long time, y’know. I might need to find a way to stop getting older if every time we accomplish something it takes a month or more for all the councils and stuff to decide how good it is. We’re likely taking Buckeran along. You think you could carry both him and I?”Merkas settles in beside Barkly leaning against their flank. Pulling out some raw mutton he picked up in one of the shops for her to munch on. “Oh, I never asked if you liked the name Barkly, if you have another you like better then I will call you that. Sure is nice being able to chat with you properly now. Kasi did a great job with this ring. Going to have to make some choices soon though, got to many of these items that need special attention, The guild symbol, this bloodvial, my cloak - looks good on me don’t it?, the ring that will keep us healthy together, and I gotta decide if the fancy book Bucky was worried about is something I wanna test out, whatcha think?”
There is a moment of shocked silence as Barkly processes the fact that she can understand you. "You... you are Blue Spark that is my rider. I remember. Nice little Blue Spark. Blue Spark give me heat. Gold Flame killed my rider, but Blue Spark protects. Barkly... one name is as good as another. I was called Froonth." The name sounds like a furnace being lit. "I will be called Barkly. What does it mean? Barkly... what is a Barkly?"
Though the ring does seem to give you the ability to talk to Barkly, it doesn't necessarily give her the ability to have deep meaningful conversations about magic items, but you can sense her emotional warmth. She's glad to be able to stretch her legs again.
The blacksmiths thank you for Barkly's services, and hand you a pouch of Stl. "She's a good worker. Kept the furnace goin' during the long hours, and helped us make a few magic items we couldn'ta made without 'er! We got our forge workin' round the clock now, so we don' really need 'er help anymore. But if'n we can rent 'er from time ta time ta make more Flame Bullets, we'd appreciate it!"
'Very rare?' Nare wonders what else this candle maker might have locked away. They never really talked to her during their time on the surface before. Geez, how long have they been gone... on top of being in a coma for two weeks! How much has changed...
Seeing as they've already seen Nare put on pants, the harengon decides to put on the rest of their clothes on anyways. Everyone was beginning to leave anyways. In the middle of buckling up their shirt's chest buttons and before she walks away, they call out Ororana's name.
"Ororana!"Nare picks up their cane and shuffles forward to her. They look in the eye and ask, "Did- did you want to sparr?"They divert their gaze for a second, looking towards their armor hanging on the dummy in the back. Blinking before looking towards her again, though not in the eye this time, they continue. "Like before you go with the new recruits?"
"I've been out for two weeks. I need something to do." They chuckle. "I know I'm a magic-user, but I don't wanna be a lightweight either."
Shaking the foot that's next to their cane, they emphasize, "Physical therapy. Don't worry, I'll go light on it." With their cane, they point at her. "And I'll go easy on you. Yah!"They jab at the air with their closed paw in some sort of boxing move.
((oohhh i love the idea of a garden and a theater!!))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Sera blinked when Handor asked if he could serve as the guild’s chef. For a heartbeat she almost laughed — not at him, but at herself. A chef? My guild? It hit her then that people actually looked to her as the one in charge. Somehow, between battles and chaos, she’d become a leader.
“If you can be chef, Handor, it would be great,” she said with a warm smile, reaching across the table to clasp his hand. “The guild needs you. We’ll need good food and strong bellies for what’s ahead.”
She glanced toward Glynnis. “And you’ve got that marvelous cookbook, don’t you? The one with all those dishes that keep adventurers alive through anything?”
Glynnis’s grin was all the confirmation Sera needed. That was settled.
Then Sera’s gaze found Hastos — and lingered there a little too long. “I believe we deserve a bottle of something good tonight,” she said, pulling open her pouch heavy with steel coins. She tossed a few onto the counter with a smirk. “We’ve earned it.”
Her eyes sparkled as she turned back to Hastos, her tone dipping into mischief. “I’ve learned trouble can arrive at any time, so I’ll be partying fully armed tonight.” Her smile curved into a teasing grin. “You look good in your new gear too, Hastos.”
Leaning close, her voice dropped to a whisper meant only for him. “Even if my armor won’t come off… I’m sure yours can.”
Before he could reply, she straightened and carried the bottle to a nearby table, setting out glasses. “Now come on,” she said brightly, “let’s live a little. Tomorrow’s troubles can wait till tomorrow.”
She poured drinks for everyone — a generous hand for Hastos, another for herself, and whoever else wanted to join. Laughter rose around the table as the first toasts were made.
Sera lifted her glass, took a long swallow of the strong liquor… and frowned faintly. It barely touched her. The armor dulled the warmth, muting even that simple pleasure.
Damn armor, she thought, swirling the glass. You’d better make up for this in battle.
Still, she smiled and poured another round. Tonight, she was determined to feel alive — even if the armor tried to forget what that meant.
'Very rare?' Nare wonders what else this candle maker might have locked away. They never really talked to her during their time on the surface before. Geez, how long have they been gone... on top of being in a coma for two weeks! How much has changed...
Seeing as they've already seen Nare put on pants, the harengon decides to put on the rest of their clothes on anyways. Everyone was beginning to leave anyways. In the middle of buckling up their shirt's chest buttons and before she walks away, they call out Ororana's name.
"Ororana!"Nare picks up their cane and shuffles forward to her. They look in the eye and ask, "Did- did you want to sparr?"They divert their gaze for a second, looking towards their armor hanging on the dummy in the back. Blinking before looking towards her again, though not in the eye this time, they continue. "Like before you go with the new recruits?"
"I've been out for two weeks. I need something to do." They chuckle. "I know I'm a magic-user, but I don't wanna be a lightweight either."
Shaking the foot that's next to their cane, they emphasize, "Physical therapy. Don't worry, I'll go light on it." With their cane, they point at her. "And I'll go easy on you. Yah!"They jab at the air with their closed paw in some sort of boxing move.
((oohhh i love the idea of a garden and a theater!!))
Ororana smiles, but looks sceptical. "How about some light training for today? Something to get those muscles moving and loose. Can't have you go out on an adventure with fresh injuries, can we?"
Sera has spent enough time in town that I'm going to count this as a Downtime Activity (with Advantage, due to your renown): Carouse, Result 10 (no new contacts)
The drinking and dancing goes for several hours! You join a few card games and dice games, and break even on your winnings. And Sera and Hastos are practically dizzy from being twirled around the floor by random citizens, many of which were people you brought here in the early days of Dawnbound. Even though you haven't been here a full month, it feels like much longer. So much has changed. From a filthy, starving broken down old fortress, to a thriving community of inspired rebel fighters; and unknown band of lowly mercenaries, to an official guild hall, and the respect of the council! From nobodies to heroes. In less than a month! The excitement is catching, to say the least.
But eventually, the summons comes. Kasi is going to take her seat on the council. Usually, this isn't a big affair. But the remaining council members thought it best to have a ceremony, to make it publicly known that a kobold will be a repected and empowered member of this community. It's a big change from the previous mindset.
You head out to HQ, where a temporary stage has been erected. Piruz, Amelista, Buckeran, and Kasi are all there. Kasi looks almost regal in her new clothes, but it's apparent she's a little uncomfortable in them. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear she prefers the cutout burlap sack she used to wear.
Amelista quites the crowd of chattering onlookers. "Welcome everyone! This is a special day! Today we break down our prejudices and embrace a new era. Many of us were harmed by the Dragon Armies. Nearly all of us have lost loved ones to them. But that story is shared with our kobold brethren, who were often forced against their will to fight as fodder for the dragon armies. Kasi is a proud verteran of these dark times, and has served Santekh faithfully by producing arms for the cause, even though she was hated and ostricized in spite of it. And we've done terrible things to her, and her people because of our fear and ignorance. But now, we take our first bold steps into a new understanding and new wisdom. I present to you, Councilor Kasi!"
The crowd is eerily silent as Kasi takes the stage. She gazes out over the onlookers, her natural scowl looks imposing in her new ceremonial garb. "Kasi knows," she begins, her voice scratchy as the burlap sack she used to wear. She clears her throat. "Kasi knows that Santekh does not yet trust kobolds. And Kasi knows much of it is earned. My tribe did not serve the Dragon Armies. But Kasi's clan did serve a red dragon, who forced us into battle against mighty beasts that burned and ate Kasi's clan. Kasi alone survives. But Kasi has found a new home, and a new clan to serve. Here in Santekh. Kasi will not let Santekh be destroyed by greed, pride, or hate. Kasi will protect Santekh, and help Santekh get strong. We have already decided to end the bounty on dragonkin. Bounties will be assigned against those who serve Dragon Armies, or those who threaten rebellion only. And Kasi will build alliances with kobold clans that oppose the Dragon Armies! Kasi will find great strength for Santekh! And when Santekh strong, kobolds and the surface races will fight and win freedom!"
She holds her fist high in the air in triumph! The crowd responds with hushed murmers. Kasi doesn't look surprised at the tepid response, but she does seem disappointed. A single speech, including a promise to unite dragonkin with Santekh, isn't going to be enough to sway the crowd. But she holds her hand, and head high to let the image of her conviction be seared into their memories nonetheless.
Responding to Barkly “Barkly means you, not all names from my people have meaning other than that is a name for a person, henceforth you will be Barkly Froonth. My name is Merkas but I like Blue Spark too, so whichever you prefer is fine with me. Gold Flame? Ah Sera, yeah sorry about that your old rider wasn’t being very nice. Sera is a good protector too, you two may not get along all the time but I know we can all work together.” Merkas looks around for a second, grabbing a shallow pot he pours some water in it. “Watch this! I just started figuring out how to do it all the time!”He casts create bonfire under the pot to warm the water for her to drink, and promptly disappears. (Wild magic surge.=90) A full minute later and exasperated Merkas reappears jumping up and down yelling at the sky or ground or walls “…I thought I had the hang of this why on earth am I…oh, I’m back, Thanks Yvonne”
After a little more chatter Merkas snuggles in beside Barkly and falls asleep along with the strider. “Don’t worry, we’re going to get a proper stable for you over at the guild hall”
On the Day of the appointment for Kasi, Merkas rides on Barkly, sitting on her back he stakes up a sentry position off to the side of the grounds so as not to block anyones view.
When Amelista announces Kasi he shouts “That’s right You deserve it, Gram…um…Councillor Kasi!” At the end of her speech he stands on the striders back fist in the air as well cheering her on, not caring at all the no one else seems to be joining in.
As Kasi’s speech ended — her words a promise of peace and unity — Sera’s heart sank at the crowd’s muted response. A few polite nods, a scattering of whispers, and nothing more.
Kasi stood small and proud at the front, her scales catching the sunlight, her voice still echoing in the air. She was a kobold, yes — but she had faced horrors beside them, earned her place on the council through courage and wisdom. That should have been enough.
Sera felt anger rise beneath her calm surface. They only see what she is, not who she is.
She drew a steadying breath and murmured under it, “Great Father, bless us,” feeling the faint, steady warmth of her god stir within her chest. Then she straightened.( cast guidance )
The silence still hung heavy — until Sera clapped. Once, twice, sharply. The sound cracked through the murmuring crowd. Heads turned as she stepped forward, her hands striking together in firm, deliberate applause.
“May Paladine, the Great Platinum Dragon, bless you, Kasi!” she called out, her voice strong and carrying. “May He bless your work — for unity, for prosperity, and for victory!”
The word rang through the square, echoing off stone and timber. A few others began to clap, uncertain but following her lead. Sera’s heart thudded with both pride and doubt — unsure if it would be enough to break through generations of suspicion.
( not a great speech. Persuasion 9 only)
But she stood tall anyway, unwilling to let her friend face that silence alone.
Hastos wasn’t surprised by the response from the crowd. Bigotry was not so easily cleansed once it has rooted. He was, however, very impressed with Kasi. Her speech lacked any resentment, only resolute hope.
Hastos joined Sera in her applause, and nodded to Kasi in agreement with Sera’s words.
While Ne'haredowell continues jabbing at the air, they slow down when they notice Ororana's reaction and slowly put their hands down as she finishes. "Oh.. uh right. That is true. Very true." Picking up their cane once again and grabbing their armor with them, they head down together to the newly furnished guild for some light sparring. Nare is astonished by the amount of work that got done in such a short amount of time.
By the time they finish up with sparring, Nare is glad to hear the announcement called for Kasi's ceremony. They never really saw much of kobolds before, even less so with this specific one. When the harengon was still up here on the surface and around Sanketh, they never did much visit her shop. Possibly because the amount of sharp teeth in one mouth frightened them but who knew, really. The short woman on the stage looked regal in her clothes and had an air of authority around her. Or at least to Nare she did. When the others gave her pretty much a blank stare after the speech, Nare couldn't help but feel for her. 'Alone and one of a kind.'
Unsure of what to do, they look for their companions in the crowd. Ne'haredowell knew they would take a while to shuffle out here with their cane and all, so that they told Ororana to go on ahead, that they would meet her here later. Now that they were here and at the back, it was exactly what they thought it would be like: crowded and hard to see among the mass of people.
When Sera and Merkas shout out their cries of support for Kasi, then Hastos does too, Ne'haredowell takes a second longer to join in the cheer. They wanted to check initial response of the other folks which turned out to be well... lackluster as they say. So, they try their best.
"Woo! Kasi!"they shout, pumping their fist up, only to get the same level of scattered clapping that the other three did.
((Persuasion: 6 + 3 = 9))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Responding to Barkly “Barkly means you, not all names from my people have meaning other than that is a name for a person, henceforth you will be Barkly Froonth. My name is Merkas but I like Blue Spark too, so whichever you prefer is fine with me. Gold Flame? Ah Sera, yeah sorry about that your old rider wasn’t being very nice. Sera is a good protector too, you two may not get along all the time but I know we can all work together.” Merkas looks around for a second, grabbing a shallow pot he pours some water in it. “Watch this! I just started figuring out how to do it all the time!”He casts create bonfire under the pot to warm the water for her to drink, and promptly disappears. (Wild magic surge.=90) A full minute later and exasperated Merkas reappears jumping up and down yelling at the sky or ground or walls “…I thought I had the hang of this why on earth am I…oh, I’m back, Thanks Yvonne”
After a little more chatter Merkas snuggles in beside Barkly and falls asleep along with the strider. “Don’t worry, we’re going to get a proper stable for you over at the guild hall”
Barkly is startled when you go invisible, and lets out a ba-KAW! sound at the sight. "Blue Spark... Merkas... has turned into fire!"
She cocks her head and looks down at the simmering water with some uncertainty. Did Merkas die to become fire? That seemed excessive. Can Merkas come back? Is it ok to drink the water? Should she drop the meat Merkas brought into the simmering water to heat it up? So many thoughts collided in the Giant Strider's head. But just as suddenly as he vanished, he blinks back into existence, and Barkly is startled from her musings yet again. She dips her head down to closely examine the sacrred, blue kender, wondering if the strange creature has lost his mind. "You are strange magic Blue... Merkas."
The mention of stables intrigues Barkly. Now we're talking about something that makes sense. "A warm den with a lava pool for a nest? The desert is cold."
In Front of HQ...
You guide Barkly over to the ceremonial announcement. And while she has no understanding of the politics involved, she does recognize a kobold when she sees one. Her thoughts, translated into words, compare her to the way you might see cattle. Cute, but... potential food. It's clear she doesn't recognize Kasi anymore, especially since she's not wearing her old tattered garments, and you're beginning to piece together what kind of great fire-breathing beasts ate Kasi's clan.
Still, caught up in the fervor of the moment, your cheers over-shadow the moment's revelation. Between you, Sera, and Hastos, your support gains momentum. And in time, most of the town is cheering, if for no other reason than to not be the odd one out. But a casual glance at the faces of the onlookers reveals that many of them are gaining confidence in their own convictions, and are glad to be rid of the hatred and prejudice that isolated Santekh from thousands of potential allies.
When the cheers finally die out, Kasi lowers her fist and steps back, allowing Amelista to thank the crowd with a final cry of "To a new era for Santekh!" When the crowd has dispersed, you see that Kasi is being escorted to headquarters to be given a tour of her facilities and introduced to her responsibilities.
Ororana and Nare finish the day with stretches an light strength training until she's confident that Ne'haredowell will be healthy enough to march with the others in the morning. Buckeran has already sent notice that he'll meet you at the Guild Hall at dawn, and his letter positively drips with excitement.
You can each post an activity you wish to spend the rest of your evening doing and I'll resolve it before moving the game forward. You'll awaken at the Guild Hall the next day. You have all completed your Downtime Activities and may add your proficiencies if you haven't already done so. Please declare your new Downtime Activities (which can be worked on during rests while on the road, which a few obvious exceptions that require you to be in town to do). You are not required to be in town to work on your Stronghold/Bastion if you have guildees on standby with the necessary craft skills, but since you only have one on stanby, you will need to hire Experts to help build if you choose that option in this case.
When the gathering finally dispersed and the square grew quieter, Sera slipped away to take care of the day’s preparations. But as she passed Hastos, she slowed.
Leaning close so only he could hear, she murmured, “My room — at sunset.”
A quick, sly smile curved her lips before she turned and strode off, leaving him with that thought hanging in the air.
Her steps carried her to Duncan’s shop, the familiar scent of dried herbs and old wood greeting her. The place always reminded her of her mother — of long days spent gathering plants and mixing tinctures at the hearth.
“Ready for today’s lesson?” Duncan asked with his usual warm grin.
Sera nodded, already rolling up her sleeves. Together they crushed roots, measured powders, and simmered extracts until the air was thick with spice and sap.
( Sera finish her herbalism training. Bring along some emothy bottles for new potions.
Later. If Hastos show up at her doorstep...I beca passionate evening)
You finish your final lesson with a notebook, containing some useful information about various narcotics and mushrooms. The book is titled "Witchdoctor Drunken: A Guide to Narcotics, Imbibements, and Toxins."
"Don't share my secrets with others, now," he says with a wink. "You and I have the only copies of this book. But I intend to make more after the war, when I'm ready to retire. Perhaps, in your travels, you'll learn more about herbs and mushrooms, and can scribble some new notes into the book! I'd be honored to share notes with you any time you come back to Santekh. I'm always doing new research on plants." He points to a small bud rising out of carerfully tended soil. "Like this little menace here. It's called and Aabagrab. It's not ready yet, but when it's mature, attacking it can cause weapons to dissolve. I'm hoping to extract that quality and turn it to an oil that can be applied to wooden shields and armor. I don't think it'll be too helpful on steel." He comments with a chuckly. "Wouldn't want our soldiers going naked in the deset! Bah... I'll figure it out."
As the group goes about their various ways, Hastos decides to pay the candlemaker a visit. Given her reputation within the town, it takes no time to find his way to her shop. He knocks gently on the door.
Nare smiles, completely overjoyed by everyone's enthusiasm for both him and Ororanna joining. It takes him a lot to not jump around in wild excitement, so he does what he usually does, which is stand and stare with a big goofy smile.
His eyes widen at Sera's sudden display of affection for Hastos's rear. He holds back a snort for it, instead averting his gaze towards where the cage that his mouse was in. "Thank you, thank you all," he says, slightly with a bow. Bringing his cane in front of him, then one leg at a time, he shuffles down towards the cage. Knowing it would take a bit longer than he originally thought, he turns around as says, "I am honored to be here. You won't regret it," before setting Lennie the mouse into it so it can finish its food.
"The armies..." he mumbles along with Sera.
Staring at the candle in Hastos's hand, he scrunches his nose like trying to sniff it. "The candle maker? Strange. I wonder if she has more in store... Is she still around? I would like to visit her."
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Ibahalii Vriwhulth; Test Run
“Dana said sorry for giving you a candle? Why’s this town got so many strange customs” Merkas hops up to sit on the end of the bed. “As for what direction first then clearing a dead dragons hoard sounds good enough. My mother used to say ‘You gotta run before you crawl’, which I didn’t think made any sense until I was older and figured she meant you have to get where you’re going before you do what needs done. So, as much as I think helping another city with an invasion is important, I think the dragon hoard is a better step for Santkh right now. Bucky wants to come along, Gramma Kasi and Amelista can watch over the guild and recruit, Maybe Ory you should try to clear some of Amelista’s stack of small errands?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Ororana looks equally puzzled by Dana's actions. "That's hardly a custom. Dana gave candles out to the refugees, but nothing like that. They're usually just simple white candles imbued with scents to cover up the stench and provide heat during the night. She might be the sweetest person in town, but she's an odd one. She's helped treat wounds for free, sang lullabies to orphaned children, and frequently shared her rations with the hungry. I've seen her sneak out of Santekh at night. Where she goes is anyone's guess, and I figure she just likes the solitude of the desert. I used to do the same thing in the graveyard, before I saw... well... what I thought were ghosts. Turns out they were just cultists." She lets out an embarrased laugh. "Most people in Santekh are haunted by something though. Some people drink; some people dance; some people sneak away to a quiet place. But no one just starts doling out Very Rare magic items."
Hearing Merkas's suggestion, she smiles. "You got it, boss! I'll take the new recruits that Kasi and Amelista find tonight, and head out in the morning."
Bastion Turn Orders:
Recruit (Amelista and Kasi): Amelista and Kasi recruit 4 Defenders (Kasi found 1 Mage (Half-Orc), and Amelista finds 1 Gladiator (Human) and 2 Commoners (Kender)
Run Bounties 1x/Day (Ororana): Guild Dues (10 Stl per Bounty, 70 Stl per week)
Ororana takes the Spy, the Apprectice Wizard, and the Scout on the first bounty.
New NPCs unlocked!
Mage: Orr the Unseen. Orr (they/them) works in the redlight district that has been established just beyond the Residential District. They provide lighting and special effects for the dancers. Preferring to remain hidden backstage, they aren't particularly social, but they have a gentle spirit. They came to Santekh with the Refugees brought here by Dawnbound and have been earning an honest living using their simple illusions with their orc friends, who became the erotic dancers.
Benefit: Orr can provide entertainment for the guild members if you build a Theater and use the Bastion Order Empower.
At the end of a rehearsal period, each character who contributed to the concert or production can make a DC 15 Charisma (Performance) check. If more of these checks succeed than fail, you and any other character who contributed to the concert or production each gain a Theater die, a d6. This die increases to a d8 when you reach level 13 and a d10 when you reach level 17. At any point after the rehearsals end, a character can expend their Theater die to roll it and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw they make. If a character hasn’t expended their Theater die before gaining another, their first die is lost.
Gladiator: Cyrus. Cyrus (he/him) was a rebel fighter in the Dragon Army wars, but was captured. His combat prowess earned him a role as a Gladiator until he won his freedom. He's middle-aged and hobbled from years of gritty combat, but his skill with Spear and Shield is well respected. He was recruited initially into Tekel's mercenary band, but defected after their fall from grace. He's grateful to play his part for a mercenary guild that isn't corrupted.
Benefit: Combat and Maintain only.
Commoner: Catt Ringglimmer (she/her). Catt is an elder kender who loves jewels. She tends to be playful and mischeivous, and is not quite as clever as she thinks she is. She wanted to run Amber's store in her abscence, but Amber knows better than to trust another kender with bags of freshly cut gems. So, she mostly gambles in The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall for coin. Being recruited to Dawndbound was a huge boon for her, as she's always wanted to travel and go on adventures.
Benefit: If you build a Gaming Hall, she can work the tables if she has 3 other Hirelings. You can use the Bastion Order Trade to gain Stl each week.
A Gaming Hall offers recreational activities ranging from chessboards and darts to card games and dice. When you issue the Trade order to this facility, you commission the facility’s hirelings to turn the Gaming Hall into a gambling den for 7 days. At the end of the seventh day, roll percentile dice and consult the Gambling Den Winnings Table to determine your portion of the house's winnings:
GAMBLING DEN WINNINGS:
d100 Winnings
01–33 3d6 Stl
34–50 1d6 × 10 Stl
51–85 2d6 × 10 Stl
86–95 4d6 × 10 Stl
96–00 10d6 × 10 Stl
Commoner: Ringmar Downyheels (he/him). Ringmar is a young kender with a lot of imagination and gumption. Inspired by Dawnbound, he was almost too eager to be recruited. Now that Santekh is mostly construced, he has a lot of time on his hands, which tends to get him in typical Kender misheif. Amelista saw an opportunity to keep those nimble fingers busy by giving him a position in the guild. He views Merkas as a legend, and the true leader of Dawnbound, and wants nothing more than to prove his worth to Merkas.
Benefit: If you build a Garden, you can use the Bastion Order Harvest. A Bastion can have more than one Garden. Each time you add a Garden to your Bastion, choose its type from the following options: Decorative Garden. This aesthetically pleasing Garden is full of flowers and topiaries. Food Garden. Delicious mushrooms or vegetables are grown here. Herb Garden. This Garden contains rare herbs, some of which have medicinal uses. Poison Garden. This Garden is stocked with plants and fungi from which poisons and antitoxins can be extracted. While in your Bastion, you can instruct the facility’s hireling to change the Garden from one type to another. This work takes 21 days, during which time no other activity can occur in this facility. When you issue the Harvest order to this facility, you commission the facility’s hireling to collect items of value from the Garden as noted in the Garden Harvest table. The work takes 7 days and costs you no money.
GARDEN HARVEST
Decorative: The Garden produces either ten exquisite floral bouquets or ten vials of Perfume. Each of these can be sold for 5 Stl.
Food: The Garden produces mushrooms and vegetables that are sold to earn you 50 GP.
Herb: The Garden produces herbs that are used to create a Potion of Healing.
Poison: The Garden produces plants that are used to create either two vials of Antitoxin or one vial of Basic Poison.
Enlarging a Garden. You can enlarge your Garden to a Vast facility by spending 2000 Stl. A Vast Garden is equivalent to two Roomy Gardens, and can include two of the same type of garden or two different types. When you issue the Harvest order to a Vast Garden, each component garden produces its own harvest A Vast Garden gains 1 additional hireling.
Ororana will take Orr the Unseen, Cyrus, and Ringmar Downyheels on the first bounty. Each NPC will gain enough XP to take their first level. Orr will become a Wizard. Cyrus will become a Blood Hunter. Ringmar Downyheels will become a Druid.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Sera watched the settlement around her hum with restless energy. The Dawnbound guild was still little more than talk and promise, but already people were busy — running messages, debating plans, sketching maps and lists she barely followed. It made her head spin.
She wasn’t made for paperwork. She’d been a street girl once — quick with her hands, quicker with her wits — not some officer buried in parchment.
After a few drills with her sword, she felt the now-familiar weariness creep in. The armor drank from her; she could feel it. But she also felt its strength running through her veins like heat. It was a bargain she’d chosen to live with.
Back in her small room at the Laughing Dwarf Inn, she looked at the old gown folded across the chair. It didn’t fit her anymore — not since the armor had bound itself to her. Still, she wasn’t about to spend the evening sulking. With a mix of concentration and curiosity, she coaxed the living shell to shift. The dark chitin rippled like liquid night, adjusting under her will. The neckline deepened, forming a daring cleavage showing her breast. It parted reluctantly to expose her belly some.Her crotchless part widened. A black silken lioncloth covered ...enough. Showing skin made it feel vulnerable but Sera convinced it Her shoulders gleamed under the faint candlelight, and the armor’s veins hid making it look like polished obsidian. Not so alien.
Sera turned in the mirror and allowed herself a small, confident smile. She looked dangerous — and beautiful in a way that made her heart beat faster.
She draped a sheer wrap over her arms, strapped her sword at her side — she wouldn’t go unarmed, not in these times — and took one last look around the room. The laughter and music from below reached her ears.
“Just one night,” she murmured to herself. “One night to breathe before tomorrow.”
With that, she opened the door and stepped downstairs into the inn’s warm, golden glow — ready to lose herself in the noise, the music, and the promise of a few carefree hours.
The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall is bustling with activity. There's music, dancing, gambling, and drinking. Most people seem to be having a good time. Glynnis hired a full staff after Dawnbound returned with the supplies, and she decided to keep them on board to handle the increased business. As such, Glynnis and Handar are sitting at the bar chatting when you come downstairs.
Handar gets up and approaches you to appraise your new outfit. "Ye look... beautiful Sera! All me life I ne'er seen a dress like that! Musta set ye back a few Steel, but it's worth erry coin!" He gives you a hug, but releases quickly when he feels how... lithe the material feels. Glynnis orders you a glass of wine and sets it on the bar. "S'pose ye'll be moving out to yer new guild hall now's ye got one." She says, trying to sound like she won't miss making breakfast for you in the morning. "Bout time... I'm losing money by not rentin' the rooms." Her smile is warm, but she hides it under a frothy beer.
Handar raises an eyebrow at Glynnis. "The kids" are most of what she talks about, and he knows it. "Ye know... now's Glynnis got the place staffed, I ain't doin' much round here. If'n... ye know... the guild needs a chef..."
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Hastos spends the afternoon cleaning up and washing. He cleans up his new armor and dons the old, worn red cloak. He sets his great axe in the hilt on his back and the scimitar at his side. He also slings the shield across his back. He looks like he’s about to present for inspection rather than an evening in a pub. But given how things seem to go in that tavern, he’s not going to take any chances.
Hastos heads down in time to see Handar release Sera from a hug. He could help but notice Sera’s form was well represented and her dress made her look almost regal.
Hastos meets Handars hand with a firm handshake and Glynnis feels like she’s trying to break his neck with her hug. Hastos turns to Sera and gives her a hug as well. He resists the instinctual reaction to pull away as he feels the armor writhe ever so slightly at their contact. “Wow, you look… stunning, Sera!” He says, slightly regretting his choice in attire.
Hastos scans the room for potentially shady characters. (Perception: 17). “Everyone behaving themselves so far?” Hastos asks Sera as he concludes his scan of the room.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Merkas heads over to the Smithy near closing time, attempting to catch the Forgemaster as they close up and inform them that Barkly will be coming on a trip shortly with Dawnbound. After a short discussion and heartfelt thanks for stabling the strider while he and his companions were tied up with the council and court events he bids them farewell and heads in to visit with Barkly.
(Cast Speak with Animals from the Ring of Animal Influence)
”Hey Barkly; these guys treat you well today? They aren’t forcing you to work too hard right?” Having the ability to directly speak with the strider only increased the kenders verbal deluge whenever he stopped by for a visit “Looks like we’re going out to search a dragon cave in a day or so, I hope you will come, I miss our times together. Really didn’t think that searching a graveyard would take almost a month away from me, helping people can take a long time, y’know. I might need to find a way to stop getting older if every time we accomplish something it takes a month or more for all the councils and stuff to decide how good it is. We’re likely taking Buckeran along. You think you could carry both him and I?” Merkas settles in beside Barkly leaning against their flank. Pulling out some raw mutton he picked up in one of the shops for her to munch on. “Oh, I never asked if you liked the name Barkly, if you have another you like better then I will call you that. Sure is nice being able to chat with you properly now. Kasi did a great job with this ring. Going to have to make some choices soon though, got to many of these items that need special attention, The guild symbol, this bloodvial, my cloak - looks good on me don’t it?, the ring that will keep us healthy together, and I gotta decide if the fancy book Bucky was worried about is something I wanna test out, whatcha think?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Glynnis laughs heartily, "As well as c'n be expected! A few cups an' plates broken here er there, but we ne'er been busier! Me only concern is runnin' outta beer! But there's still coffee. I dunna un'erstand wha' these locals like abou' the taste, but it's cheap an' brews quick." She appraises your new armor. "Seems yer doin' well too! The new look suits ye' better than that busted up gear ye been clangin' around in. What're ye two up to t'day?"
There is a moment of shocked silence as Barkly processes the fact that she can understand you. "You... you are Blue Spark that is my rider. I remember. Nice little Blue Spark. Blue Spark give me heat. Gold Flame killed my rider, but Blue Spark protects. Barkly... one name is as good as another. I was called Froonth." The name sounds like a furnace being lit. "I will be called Barkly. What does it mean? Barkly... what is a Barkly?"
Though the ring does seem to give you the ability to talk to Barkly, it doesn't necessarily give her the ability to have deep meaningful conversations about magic items, but you can sense her emotional warmth. She's glad to be able to stretch her legs again.
The blacksmiths thank you for Barkly's services, and hand you a pouch of Stl. "She's a good worker. Kept the furnace goin' during the long hours, and helped us make a few magic items we couldn'ta made without 'er! We got our forge workin' round the clock now, so we don' really need 'er help anymore. But if'n we can rent 'er from time ta time ta make more Flame Bullets, we'd appreciate it!"
Merkas receives 200 Stl.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
'Very rare?' Nare wonders what else this candle maker might have locked away. They never really talked to her during their time on the surface before. Geez, how long have they been gone... on top of being in a coma for two weeks! How much has changed...
Seeing as they've already seen Nare put on pants, the harengon decides to put on the rest of their clothes on anyways. Everyone was beginning to leave anyways. In the middle of buckling up their shirt's chest buttons and before she walks away, they call out Ororana's name.
"Ororana!" Nare picks up their cane and shuffles forward to her. They look in the eye and ask, "Did- did you want to sparr?" They divert their gaze for a second, looking towards their armor hanging on the dummy in the back. Blinking before looking towards her again, though not in the eye this time, they continue. "Like before you go with the new recruits?"
"I've been out for two weeks. I need something to do." They chuckle. "I know I'm a magic-user, but I don't wanna be a lightweight either."
Shaking the foot that's next to their cane, they emphasize, "Physical therapy. Don't worry, I'll go light on it." With their cane, they point at her. "And I'll go easy on you. Yah!" They jab at the air with their closed paw in some sort of boxing move.
((oohhh i love the idea of a garden and a theater!!))
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Ibahalii Vriwhulth; Test Run
Sera blinked when Handor asked if he could serve as the guild’s chef. For a heartbeat she almost laughed — not at him, but at herself. A chef? My guild? It hit her then that people actually looked to her as the one in charge. Somehow, between battles and chaos, she’d become a leader.
“If you can be chef, Handor, it would be great,” she said with a warm smile, reaching across the table to clasp his hand. “The guild needs you. We’ll need good food and strong bellies for what’s ahead.”
She glanced toward Glynnis. “And you’ve got that marvelous cookbook, don’t you? The one with all those dishes that keep adventurers alive through anything?”
Glynnis’s grin was all the confirmation Sera needed. That was settled.
Then Sera’s gaze found Hastos — and lingered there a little too long. “I believe we deserve a bottle of something good tonight,” she said, pulling open her pouch heavy with steel coins. She tossed a few onto the counter with a smirk. “We’ve earned it.”
Her eyes sparkled as she turned back to Hastos, her tone dipping into mischief. “I’ve learned trouble can arrive at any time, so I’ll be partying fully armed tonight.” Her smile curved into a teasing grin. “You look good in your new gear too, Hastos.”
Leaning close, her voice dropped to a whisper meant only for him. “Even if my armor won’t come off… I’m sure yours can.”
Before he could reply, she straightened and carried the bottle to a nearby table, setting out glasses. “Now come on,” she said brightly, “let’s live a little. Tomorrow’s troubles can wait till tomorrow.”
She poured drinks for everyone — a generous hand for Hastos, another for herself, and whoever else wanted to join. Laughter rose around the table as the first toasts were made.
Sera lifted her glass, took a long swallow of the strong liquor… and frowned faintly. It barely touched her. The armor dulled the warmth, muting even that simple pleasure.
Damn armor, she thought, swirling the glass. You’d better make up for this in battle.
Still, she smiled and poured another round. Tonight, she was determined to feel alive — even if the armor tried to forget what that meant.
Ororana smiles, but looks sceptical. "How about some light training for today? Something to get those muscles moving and loose. Can't have you go out on an adventure with fresh injuries, can we?"
Sera has spent enough time in town that I'm going to count this as a Downtime Activity (with Advantage, due to your renown): Carouse, Result 10 (no new contacts)
The drinking and dancing goes for several hours! You join a few card games and dice games, and break even on your winnings. And Sera and Hastos are practically dizzy from being twirled around the floor by random citizens, many of which were people you brought here in the early days of Dawnbound. Even though you haven't been here a full month, it feels like much longer. So much has changed. From a filthy, starving broken down old fortress, to a thriving community of inspired rebel fighters; and unknown band of lowly mercenaries, to an official guild hall, and the respect of the council! From nobodies to heroes. In less than a month! The excitement is catching, to say the least.
But eventually, the summons comes. Kasi is going to take her seat on the council. Usually, this isn't a big affair. But the remaining council members thought it best to have a ceremony, to make it publicly known that a kobold will be a repected and empowered member of this community. It's a big change from the previous mindset.
You head out to HQ, where a temporary stage has been erected. Piruz, Amelista, Buckeran, and Kasi are all there. Kasi looks almost regal in her new clothes, but it's apparent she's a little uncomfortable in them. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear she prefers the cutout burlap sack she used to wear.
Amelista quites the crowd of chattering onlookers. "Welcome everyone! This is a special day! Today we break down our prejudices and embrace a new era. Many of us were harmed by the Dragon Armies. Nearly all of us have lost loved ones to them. But that story is shared with our kobold brethren, who were often forced against their will to fight as fodder for the dragon armies. Kasi is a proud verteran of these dark times, and has served Santekh faithfully by producing arms for the cause, even though she was hated and ostricized in spite of it. And we've done terrible things to her, and her people because of our fear and ignorance. But now, we take our first bold steps into a new understanding and new wisdom. I present to you, Councilor Kasi!"
The crowd is eerily silent as Kasi takes the stage. She gazes out over the onlookers, her natural scowl looks imposing in her new ceremonial garb. "Kasi knows," she begins, her voice scratchy as the burlap sack she used to wear. She clears her throat. "Kasi knows that Santekh does not yet trust kobolds. And Kasi knows much of it is earned. My tribe did not serve the Dragon Armies. But Kasi's clan did serve a red dragon, who forced us into battle against mighty beasts that burned and ate Kasi's clan. Kasi alone survives. But Kasi has found a new home, and a new clan to serve. Here in Santekh. Kasi will not let Santekh be destroyed by greed, pride, or hate. Kasi will protect Santekh, and help Santekh get strong. We have already decided to end the bounty on dragonkin. Bounties will be assigned against those who serve Dragon Armies, or those who threaten rebellion only. And Kasi will build alliances with kobold clans that oppose the Dragon Armies! Kasi will find great strength for Santekh! And when Santekh strong, kobolds and the surface races will fight and win freedom!"
She holds her fist high in the air in triumph! The crowd responds with hushed murmers. Kasi doesn't look surprised at the tepid response, but she does seem disappointed. A single speech, including a promise to unite dragonkin with Santekh, isn't going to be enough to sway the crowd. But she holds her hand, and head high to let the image of her conviction be seared into their memories nonetheless.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Responding to Barkly “Barkly means you, not all names from my people have meaning other than that is a name for a person, henceforth you will be Barkly Froonth. My name is Merkas but I like Blue Spark too, so whichever you prefer is fine with me. Gold Flame? Ah Sera, yeah sorry about that your old rider wasn’t being very nice. Sera is a good protector too, you two may not get along all the time but I know we can all work together.” Merkas looks around for a second, grabbing a shallow pot he pours some water in it. “Watch this! I just started figuring out how to do it all the time!” He casts create bonfire under the pot to warm the water for her to drink, and promptly disappears. (Wild magic surge.=90)
A full minute later and exasperated Merkas reappears jumping up and down yelling at the sky or ground or walls “…I thought I had the hang of this why on earth am I…oh, I’m back, Thanks Yvonne”
After a little more chatter Merkas snuggles in beside Barkly and falls asleep along with the strider. “Don’t worry, we’re going to get a proper stable for you over at the guild hall”
On the Day of the appointment for Kasi, Merkas rides on Barkly, sitting on her back he stakes up a sentry position off to the side of the grounds so as not to block anyones view.
When Amelista announces Kasi he shouts “That’s right You deserve it, Gram…um…Councillor Kasi!”
At the end of her speech he stands on the striders back fist in the air as well cheering her on, not caring at all the no one else seems to be joining in.
Loyalty Begets Honour
As Kasi’s speech ended — her words a promise of peace and unity — Sera’s heart sank at the crowd’s muted response. A few polite nods, a scattering of whispers, and nothing more.
Kasi stood small and proud at the front, her scales catching the sunlight, her voice still echoing in the air. She was a kobold, yes — but she had faced horrors beside them, earned her place on the council through courage and wisdom. That should have been enough.
Sera felt anger rise beneath her calm surface. They only see what she is, not who she is.
She drew a steadying breath and murmured under it, “Great Father, bless us,” feeling the faint, steady warmth of her god stir within her chest. Then she straightened.( cast guidance )
The silence still hung heavy — until Sera clapped. Once, twice, sharply. The sound cracked through the murmuring crowd. Heads turned as she stepped forward, her hands striking together in firm, deliberate applause.
“May Paladine, the Great Platinum Dragon, bless you, Kasi!” she called out, her voice strong and carrying. “May He bless your work — for unity, for prosperity, and for victory!”
The word rang through the square, echoing off stone and timber. A few others began to clap, uncertain but following her lead. Sera’s heart thudded with both pride and doubt — unsure if it would be enough to break through generations of suspicion.
( not a great speech. Persuasion 9 only)
But she stood tall anyway, unwilling to let her friend face that silence alone.
Hastos wasn’t surprised by the response from the crowd. Bigotry was not so easily cleansed once it has rooted. He was, however, very impressed with Kasi. Her speech lacked any resentment, only resolute hope.
Hastos joined Sera in her applause, and nodded to Kasi in agreement with Sera’s words.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
While Ne'haredowell continues jabbing at the air, they slow down when they notice Ororana's reaction and slowly put their hands down as she finishes. "Oh.. uh right. That is true. Very true." Picking up their cane once again and grabbing their armor with them, they head down together to the newly furnished guild for some light sparring. Nare is astonished by the amount of work that got done in such a short amount of time.
By the time they finish up with sparring, Nare is glad to hear the announcement called for Kasi's ceremony. They never really saw much of kobolds before, even less so with this specific one. When the harengon was still up here on the surface and around Sanketh, they never did much visit her shop. Possibly because the amount of sharp teeth in one mouth frightened them but who knew, really. The short woman on the stage looked regal in her clothes and had an air of authority around her. Or at least to Nare she did. When the others gave her pretty much a blank stare after the speech, Nare couldn't help but feel for her. 'Alone and one of a kind.'
Unsure of what to do, they look for their companions in the crowd. Ne'haredowell knew they would take a while to shuffle out here with their cane and all, so that they told Ororana to go on ahead, that they would meet her here later. Now that they were here and at the back, it was exactly what they thought it would be like: crowded and hard to see among the mass of people.
When Sera and Merkas shout out their cries of support for Kasi, then Hastos does too, Ne'haredowell takes a second longer to join in the cheer. They wanted to check initial response of the other folks which turned out to be well... lackluster as they say. So, they try their best.
"Woo! Kasi!" they shout, pumping their fist up, only to get the same level of scattered clapping that the other three did.
((Persuasion: 6 + 3 = 9))
<---- Skippy Doo from A Pup Named Scooby Doo
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Ibahalii Vriwhulth; Test Run
Barkly is startled when you go invisible, and lets out a ba-KAW! sound at the sight. "Blue Spark... Merkas... has turned into fire!"
She cocks her head and looks down at the simmering water with some uncertainty. Did Merkas die to become fire? That seemed excessive. Can Merkas come back? Is it ok to drink the water? Should she drop the meat Merkas brought into the simmering water to heat it up? So many thoughts collided in the Giant Strider's head. But just as suddenly as he vanished, he blinks back into existence, and Barkly is startled from her musings yet again. She dips her head down to closely examine the sacrred, blue kender, wondering if the strange creature has lost his mind. "You are strange magic Blue... Merkas."
The mention of stables intrigues Barkly. Now we're talking about something that makes sense. "A warm den with a lava pool for a nest? The desert is cold."
In Front of HQ...
You guide Barkly over to the ceremonial announcement. And while she has no understanding of the politics involved, she does recognize a kobold when she sees one. Her thoughts, translated into words, compare her to the way you might see cattle. Cute, but... potential food. It's clear she doesn't recognize Kasi anymore, especially since she's not wearing her old tattered garments, and you're beginning to piece together what kind of great fire-breathing beasts ate Kasi's clan.
Still, caught up in the fervor of the moment, your cheers over-shadow the moment's revelation. Between you, Sera, and Hastos, your support gains momentum. And in time, most of the town is cheering, if for no other reason than to not be the odd one out. But a casual glance at the faces of the onlookers reveals that many of them are gaining confidence in their own convictions, and are glad to be rid of the hatred and prejudice that isolated Santekh from thousands of potential allies.
When the cheers finally die out, Kasi lowers her fist and steps back, allowing Amelista to thank the crowd with a final cry of "To a new era for Santekh!" When the crowd has dispersed, you see that Kasi is being escorted to headquarters to be given a tour of her facilities and introduced to her responsibilities.
Ororana and Nare finish the day with stretches an light strength training until she's confident that Ne'haredowell will be healthy enough to march with the others in the morning. Buckeran has already sent notice that he'll meet you at the Guild Hall at dawn, and his letter positively drips with excitement.
You can each post an activity you wish to spend the rest of your evening doing and I'll resolve it before moving the game forward. You'll awaken at the Guild Hall the next day.
You have all completed your Downtime Activities and may add your proficiencies if you haven't already done so. Please declare your new Downtime Activities (which can be worked on during rests while on the road, which a few obvious exceptions that require you to be in town to do). You are not required to be in town to work on your Stronghold/Bastion if you have guildees on standby with the necessary craft skills, but since you only have one on stanby, you will need to hire Experts to help build if you choose that option in this case.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
When the gathering finally dispersed and the square grew quieter, Sera slipped away to take care of the day’s preparations. But as she passed Hastos, she slowed.
Leaning close so only he could hear, she murmured, “My room — at sunset.”
A quick, sly smile curved her lips before she turned and strode off, leaving him with that thought hanging in the air.
Her steps carried her to Duncan’s shop, the familiar scent of dried herbs and old wood greeting her. The place always reminded her of her mother — of long days spent gathering plants and mixing tinctures at the hearth.
“Ready for today’s lesson?” Duncan asked with his usual warm grin.
Sera nodded, already rolling up her sleeves. Together they crushed roots, measured powders, and simmered extracts until the air was thick with spice and sap.
( Sera finish her herbalism training. Bring along some emothy bottles for new potions.
Later. If Hastos show up at her doorstep...I beca passionate evening)
You finish your final lesson with a notebook, containing some useful information about various narcotics and mushrooms. The book is titled "Witchdoctor Drunken: A Guide to Narcotics, Imbibements, and Toxins."
"Don't share my secrets with others, now," he says with a wink. "You and I have the only copies of this book. But I intend to make more after the war, when I'm ready to retire. Perhaps, in your travels, you'll learn more about herbs and mushrooms, and can scribble some new notes into the book! I'd be honored to share notes with you any time you come back to Santekh. I'm always doing new research on plants." He points to a small bud rising out of carerfully tended soil. "Like this little menace here. It's called and Aabagrab. It's not ready yet, but when it's mature, attacking it can cause weapons to dissolve. I'm hoping to extract that quality and turn it to an oil that can be applied to wooden shields and armor. I don't think it'll be too helpful on steel." He comments with a chuckly. "Wouldn't want our soldiers going naked in the deset! Bah... I'll figure it out."
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
As the group goes about their various ways, Hastos decides to pay the candlemaker a visit. Given her reputation within the town, it takes no time to find his way to her shop. He knocks gently on the door.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread