"Unfortunately the corridor branches off and continues, there is evidently more to explore before we can ascertain nothing more will come crawling down this way, you should perhaps come up here after all."Rasziel calls down to those below, not particularly keen on investigating these tunnels any further on his own.
(Rasziel would use his telekinesis to draw up any rope from below and hopefully find somewhere to telekinetically tie it up to allow the others and easier climb up the slope.)
"Hale and hearty, it seems, Mr. Raskin. Our sincere apologies for depriving you of the privilege of delivering the coup de grace." The wizard says, beaming with amusement as Don Jon appears to make a swift recovery.
Gray eyes scan his features, one hand tucked in the small of her back. Alisande eyes Sister Garaele and Lyra sceptically, leaning over to lower her voice."Are you quite sure his convalescence is complete? I hesitate to issue impugnments about his personal hygiene, having never met the gentleman before, but he seems inordinately... hirsute?"
When Rasziel extends Alisande the invitation to accompany the others on their investigations of the tunnels, she seems torn - hesitant to leave the suspiciously hairy Raskin alone with the clerics, yet anxious to join the exciting hunt for more carrion crawlers. If neither of the healers give her good reason to remain, Alisande begins removing the peculiar broom from her bag, rearranging the avalanche of tomes and scrolls stuffed within.
As the Clerics pray over Don-Jon, Tymora grants her blessings, and you see Don Jon's figure return to normal, albeit still more hairy than before. Then the paralysis ends, and he begins to blink and slowly sit up with Sister Garaele's help. He says, "What took ya'll so long to open that door. I mean... I coulda handled that monster no problem, but still. Thanks for getting rid of that curse. I don't think I would of liked being a vermin."
Lyracan't help laughing at Don-Jon's words. "Of course, Master Juan ! Naturally, you could have handled that—and so much more!" she exclaims, then turns to Sister Garaele, her smile bright as the sun. Raising her hand toward the elder cleric, she adds, "Hell yeah, sister! Uhm… I mean… well, you know what I mean, right?"If allowed, she high-fives Sister Garaele, completely forgetting the proper decorum for addressing a senior cleric.
Noticing that most of the party has already left, the halfling turns to Gareth and Alisande. "Where has everyone gone? Is something wrong? Should we accompany them, perhaps?"
Listening to Alisande's measured speech, the halfling thinks to herself, "My, this lady speaks with such nobility!" She begins to reply in her usual fashion, "Uhm, yeah, he—"then pauses, attempting to adopt a more refined tone to match the wizard's. "Indeed. I do believe he is thoroughly recovered. I .. ah... discern no reason for concern."(ooc: he does look fine, doesn't he? Just... hairy?)
When Alisande begins removing the broom from her bag, Lyra watches wide-eyed. What is she going to do with that!? Sweep the mine's floor, perhaps? How peculiar!
Zephyroseasily climbs the slope using a rope secured to a nearby rock face by Rasziel. The two of you explore the tunnel, finding it splits to the east and to the west. The western tunnel leads you back into the room where Don Jon was being held about 10 feet above where Don Jon, Sister Garaele, Lyra, and Alisande loiter and where Gareth is securing a trophy from the carrion crawler. The eastern passage leads out of the mine to a ridgeline overlooking a makeshift cemetery with pickaxes and helmets as makeshift headstones. The tunnel is quiet aside from the noise you make as you move.
Gareth,
Most of the monstrosity has been destroyed by the combined assault. However, you are able to secure a single tooth after milking it for a single dose of what you believe is the creatures venom that causes paralysis.
Meira,
The dwarves turn to you as you interject into their conversation, "What do you propose, Mis? We can't let one of them vermin take charge of our mine. Plus, a dwarf should be running the show here. Not some puffed-up cowboy! Torrin should be the mines Overseer!"
Alisande,
Don Jon looks at you, confusion plain on his face, an awkward pause ensues before he says, "Yes, well... not to worry. I've seen my fair share of battles. In fact, I once fought an entire army of goblins and won single handedly. There was another time a once rode a carrion crawler through the underdark. Tamed it myself, I did. Called it Susan. It looked like a Susan to me."
Lyra,
You are confident that Don Jon is healed and no longer has lycanthropy. Sister Garaele returns your smile and even provides her hand for you to high-five. She stands up and helps Don Jon to stand as well before she says, "Well, I should start back to town. I should be able to make it before sundown if I hurry." She asks Alisande, "Will you and Rasziel be accompanying me back to Phandalin to complete your escort contract?"
Meira continues speaking to the dwarves in dwarvish.
"Well, not sure it's fair to call Mr. Don-Jon a vermin," she said. "He was bitten, but I am sure Sister Garaele and Lyra will get him healed real soon. As for Overseer, I'm not sure how that works. I think he represents the owners?" your spoiler here.
She glances at the dwarves for confirmation. "I could talk to him and see if he'd be willing to perhaps be co-Overseers? Or he's Overseer and you're in charge of the dwarves? Chief Foreman or something?"
She lowers her voice, as if speaking conspiratorally. "I think as long as he gets a title, and you listen to his overblown stories, he's going to let Torrin do all the work running the place."
"Aye, Chief Foreman. I like that title." Dremlie says as the rest nod in agreement. "Right then. You convince Don Jon to promote Torrin to Chief Forman (AKA Assistant to the Regional Manager) and, provided he's healed of the curse, we'll play nice with Don Jon." The dwarves laugh as you mention his overblow stories. "Aye, that man would scare at his own shadow more than like."
Your argument was persuasive and you get the sense the dwarves have calmed down and are willing to work with the cowboy.
Meiranods at the dwarves, giving them a smile. She says just one more brief thing to the dwarves in dwarvish
"Thank you. I will talk to him."
She then heads back over to see how the patient is doing. She just catches the words from Sister Garaele about returning to Phandalin and asking Alisandeand Rasziel to accompany her. "Sister, I think all of our group was hoping to get back to Phandalin. Perhaps we could all go together? I don't think we have too much more business here. You really think we can be back tonight?"
She then gives Lyraa brief smile before turning to Don-Jon. "Mister Don-Jon, how are you doing now? I have the utmost confidence that these two fine ladies have you back to near perfect health now." She pauses a moment, also trying to assess for herself how the man is doing. Assuming he seems fine, she continues. "I would also like to have a brief word with you if you would."
"That is a great relief. A most commendable outcome." Alisande says in reply to Lyra's update on the patient's condition. Noting the halfling priestess' attempts at a more cultivated tenor of speech, the noblewoman tries to meet her halfway, and somewhat stiffly offers her hand to Lyra for another high-five. "Uh... good job."
When Don Juan spins his tales of unlikely valour, Alisande's brows scale her forehead, inching higher and higher at the sheer preposterousness of his stories. At last, she can't help but choke back a laugh.
"I seee. Hm, well... perhaps it makes sense that this ferocious predator was so singularly determined to feast upon your flesh, at the exclusion of all others. Maybe... just maybe this was Susan's jilted lover? Come to avenge his honour in a fit of romantic pique? Provoked by the dashing, amorous rake who stole away into the night with his carrion-crawler bride?" Amusement plays on Alisande's lips, despite her grave, sagacious tone. She gives Raskin a chiding look. "One must exercise circumspection in the delicate courtship of monstrous invertebrates, Don Juan."
With her silly counsel delivered, Alisande turns to assist in the exploration of the cave network... only to be stymied by Sister Garaele's question. "Ah, of course, Sister. Rasziel and I would be remiss in our duties if we were to leave you unattended on the return voyage." She looks mildly deflated at missing out, but perks up when Meira suggests that they be accompanied by her group. "Unless Sister Garaele objects... the more the merrier, I say. Please, you are all most welcome to join us."
"I guess there's really not much up here, then."Zephyros casually mentions to Rasziel before adding, "Unless you wanted to scare the unsuspecting, of course."
Ironheart travels back down the rope and heads toward the room where the dead crawler lay.
His hefty boots stomping on the floor, The soldier wanders over to the rest of the party. The bear of a man notices Don-Juan completely healed (More or less) and greets the clerics by saying, "Well done! Glad I'm on your guy's side!" Which then the man proceeds to offer a high five.
Zephyros then turns toward the noblewoman.
"I believe we're due for a formal introduction. Your name is..."Ironheart pauses for a brief moment, trying to recall the mage's name. "Miss Immerwood?"
The veteran extends his hand to shake the woman's. "I'm Zephyros Ironheart. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Raszielnods in agreement with the bearded soldier. He raises an eyebrow at mention of scaring the unsuspecting, but decides to let it go. "No, we should perhaps return."He says with a small smile, hovering after the soldier as he makes it back to the others.
"We decided to return, no more monsters closeby at least, but if they burrow through the rock you would unfortunately need to stay vigilant." He reports to the dwarves as he and the bearded soldier returns, then turning to the others, ready to escort Sister Garaele back to Phandalin.
Lyralooks wide-eyed at Don-Jon and Alisande, and when the noblewoman finishes speaking, her eyes sparkle as she claps her hands together. "Oh! Someone has to write a ballad about this tragic carrion crawler romance! It's perfect. And of course, Don Juan himself would have been at the center, sweeping Susan off… her many feet! I'd say that story would sell very nicely," she adds, laughing heartily.
The cleric blinks at Alisande's stiffly offered hand, her expression briefly solemn as she processes the noblewoman's effort to meet her on her own terms. Then, with a sudden bright grin, she lights up, jumps a little, and smacks the high-five with cheerfully. "Thank you!" She has a bit more trouble reaching Zephyros's high-five, but she manages it with the same energy. It's clear these exchanges have fully charged the halfling's enthusiasm.
Lyra wonders what Meiraand Don-Jon need to discuss but respects their space, staying a bit away so that they can speak confortably. She nods energetically when Meira replies to Sister Garaele that they can all go back together to Phandalin. "Fantastic idea! The more the merrier, and the safer the road for all of us, right?" she says.
You walk back to the group, and you see Lyrahigh-fiving everyone. Sister Garaele turns around to listen to you and responds, "If we leave soon, we should get back to Phandalin with a few hours of light left. I would love the company of you gallant warriors on the return trip!"
You address Don Jon, he nods to your request and says, "Of course, but let's leave this office. I've had enough of being in this room. Let's step outside." He walks to the mine entrance and then waits for you outside.
Alisande,
Don Jon again gives you a quizzical look before he says, "Yes, of course! That must be it. Jilted lover... that's the truth of it." He turns to go outside to talk to Meira.
Lyra,
Don Jon beams at your suggestion that he should be the main focus of a ballad in his honor. Grinning ear to ear as he heads outside.
Meanwhile,
Torrin rejoins his dwarven companions and begins to discuss (in common) the events that transpired. Torrin relays that Don Jon has healed and is no longer a threat to them. There is a large carrion crawler dead in the office/prison cell, and Torrin asks Dremlie and Finlie to start cutting it up and remove it before it begins to rot. The dwarves begin to grumble, but otherwise move to follow Torrin's order.
Gareth puts the carrion crawler tooth in his pack and is pleased to have extracted some of its venom, which he coats one of his arrows with immediately. He sticks this arrow in his pack instead of his quiver so that he can distinguish it from the regular ones. When Don Jon starts off on one of his outrageous tall tales, Gareth tries not to roll his eyes too much, but when the man mentions 'Susan' he can't help but snort loudly.
"We'd be glad to accompany you back to Phandalin, Sister," Gareth says to the cleric after standing up and wiping his hands off with a rag from his pack. "I believe we've accomplished what we set out to do here, thanks in no small part to you."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." ~ Albert Einstein
Meirafinds herself grinning at Alisande'sremark to Don-Jon about 'Susan's lover'. But she quickly masks her amusement as she follows the man out to speak to him.
"Mr Don-Jon, I wanted to ask you a little bit about the mines. You are the Overseer of this place, right? You represent the owners?" she begins. "I was talking to Torrin, and he really seems to know a lot about this mine. He and his dwarves are quite a team. You ought to consider making him Chief Forman here. You could just let him know what you need and leave the boring, mundane details to him!" She gives him a knowing nod. "You could then have more time to focus on more important things. Supply shipments and ore deliveries and that sort of thing. I mean, I don't really know, but you do!" She smiles, "Maybe you could even travel back to Phandalin with us. It might be good with that dragon about to have someone safe in town to keep informed on what is happening and for the mine to have a person on the outside in case of troubles."
She pauses as though waiting for a response, though she quickly adds. "Did we tell you we actually had a run in with the dragon not too far from here? We were lucky that Lyra was the only one hurt. But who knows if the dragon might take an interest in the mine at some point. Sure, the dwarves would be safe inside, but they'd need someone outside to be able to take action on their behalf!"
Tuning in on the conversation, the young purple-robed dark-haired man with the sinister-looking scar gathers that the group of adventurers are returning to Phandalin with Sister Garaele. With a small pleased smile Rasziel walks over to Torrin to inform himself on the situation with the goldmine before leaving.
(Don't want to hold up the game but Rasziel would simply make some polite conversation, showing an interest in the current situation with the gold mine, who owns it and how business is running, particularly current business considering all the threats that could disrupt this trade, curious to see if there was any business opportunity here at all.)
Sister Garaele smiles and gently touches you on the shoulder as she says, "That is wonderful. Thank you."
Rasziel,
You walk with Torrin back to where the dwarves are conversing.
After listening to Torrin update the others regarding Don Jon's status, and watching Dremlie and Finlie set out to complete their assigned task, you ask Torrin about the mine's status. You learn that the Neverwinter Consortium owns the Mountain's Toe Gold Mine. They hired Don-Jon Raskin to be Overseer of the mine. Don-Jon hired the group you've just met (Zephyros, Meira, Lyra, Gareth, and Eldrin) to escort the cowboy to the mine. They were attacked by Wererats who killed eleven of their miners and then took over the mine. Torrin, Boggin, Dremile, Finlie, and Grinlie barely escaped the same fate by barricading a section of the mine. The wererats tossed their dead into a pile near the entrance to the mine, which allowed the surviving dwarves to bury their dead. They then reforged their pickaxes with silver ore from the mine and counterattacked with the adventurer's help. Torrin tells you Don-Jon is enept at negotiation and agreed to give the group 26% of the mine's profits for their help clearing the mine of the vermin infestation, with a 1% drop in profits every year thereafter. He isn't willing to discuss the financial status of the mine, but makes it clear that the mine has suffered a huge hit with the loss of so many miners. He asks you to post a notice on the job board in Phandalin, and he scrawls it quickly before handing it to you along with 2gp for your trouble. The notice reads:
Mountains Toe Gold Mine needs miners.
Apply in person to Torrin Hammerhand.
You get the sense Torrin thinks Don-Jon is a moron, but Torrin is smart enough to know he has no choice but to work with the man. You also recognize that you might see a portion of those profits if you ingratiate yourself with the group of adventurers.
Meira,
You walk with Don-Jon outside and talk with the cowboy.
He nods as you ask about his position within the mines hierarchy. He agrees that Torrin is a competent leader and says, "Chief Foreman? Hmm... Okay then. I think I can make that a formal title with a small compensation increase for his efforts. Not a problem." However, before the cowboy can finish responding to your suggestion for him to join you back in Phandalin...
You hear a loud swooshing sound and look above the mine just in time to see a Gargantuan ancient green dragon land atop the mountain where the mine is located. As the dragon lands, the ground beneath your feet rumbles and shakes from the force. Don-Jon turns in the dragon's direction and begins to tremble in fear. Please make a wisdom saving throw, DC 19, or become frightened for 1 minute. The dragon looks directly at you and Don-Jon for what feels like an eternity before unfurling its wings, taking flight once more.
Everyone inside the mine,
Inside the mine, you all hear a loud crashing sound as if something very large impacted the mountain above the mine. You all feel the earth tremble and shake violently for half a second. Parts of the mine's ceiling begin to fall in chunks around you. Everyone except Meira, please make a dexterity saving throw,DC 13, or take 8 bludgeoning damage from falling rocks.
Lyra's enthusiasm shatters the instant the mountain roars above them. The violent tremor sends stones raining down, and before she can scramble for cover, a jagged chunk of rock slams hard against her head. Her scream pierces the dust-filled air as she clutches her skull, her fingers coming away slick with blood.
"W–what… what was that!?" she gasps, panic edging her voice. Her wide eyes flick to the tunnel's mouth where Meira and Don-Jon disappeared. "Is it coming from outside!?"
Her knees nearly give way beneath her, but she grits her teeth, staggering toward the exit with trembling legs, seeking to understand what just happened, and if Meiraand Don-Jon are okay.
"Unfortunately the corridor branches off and continues, there is evidently more to explore before we can ascertain nothing more will come crawling down this way, you should perhaps come up here after all." Rasziel calls down to those below, not particularly keen on investigating these tunnels any further on his own.
(Rasziel would use his telekinesis to draw up any rope from below and hopefully find somewhere to telekinetically tie it up to allow the others and easier climb up the slope.)
Nature Check - 12
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." ~ Albert Einstein
Pronouns: She / Her
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
(Meira Persuasion: 10)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Zephyros grabs some rope from his pack and waits for Raziel to telekinetically lift it up.
After Raziel secures the (actual) rope this time, Ironheart swiftly scales upward.
Athletics: 20
OOC- Rope?! Whoops! Guess I'd better learn to read...
Sorry!
"Hale and hearty, it seems, Mr. Raskin. Our sincere apologies for depriving you of the privilege of delivering the coup de grace." The wizard says, beaming with amusement as Don Jon appears to make a swift recovery.
Gray eyes scan his features, one hand tucked in the small of her back. Alisande eyes Sister Garaele and Lyra sceptically, leaning over to lower her voice. "Are you quite sure his convalescence is complete? I hesitate to issue impugnments about his personal hygiene, having never met the gentleman before, but he seems inordinately... hirsute?"
When Rasziel extends Alisande the invitation to accompany the others on their investigations of the tunnels, she seems torn - hesitant to leave the suspiciously hairy Raskin alone with the clerics, yet anxious to join the exciting hunt for more carrion crawlers. If neither of the healers give her good reason to remain, Alisande begins removing the peculiar broom from her bag, rearranging the avalanche of tomes and scrolls stuffed within.
Lyra can't help laughing at Don-Jon's words. "Of course, Master Juan ! Naturally, you could have handled that—and so much more!" she exclaims, then turns to Sister Garaele, her smile bright as the sun. Raising her hand toward the elder cleric, she adds, "Hell yeah, sister! Uhm… I mean… well, you know what I mean, right?" If allowed, she high-fives Sister Garaele, completely forgetting the proper decorum for addressing a senior cleric.
Noticing that most of the party has already left, the halfling turns to Gareth and Alisande. "Where has everyone gone? Is something wrong? Should we accompany them, perhaps?"
Listening to Alisande's measured speech, the halfling thinks to herself, "My, this lady speaks with such nobility!" She begins to reply in her usual fashion, "Uhm, yeah, he—" then pauses, attempting to adopt a more refined tone to match the wizard's. "Indeed. I do believe he is thoroughly recovered. I .. ah... discern no reason for concern." (ooc: he does look fine, doesn't he? Just... hairy?)
When Alisande begins removing the broom from her bag, Lyra watches wide-eyed. What is she going to do with that!? Sweep the mine's floor, perhaps? How peculiar!
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren
Rasziel and Zephyros,
Zephyros easily climbs the slope using a rope secured to a nearby rock face by Rasziel. The two of you explore the tunnel, finding it splits to the east and to the west. The western tunnel leads you back into the room where Don Jon was being held about 10 feet above where Don Jon, Sister Garaele, Lyra, and Alisande loiter and where Gareth is securing a trophy from the carrion crawler. The eastern passage leads out of the mine to a ridgeline overlooking a makeshift cemetery with pickaxes and helmets as makeshift headstones. The tunnel is quiet aside from the noise you make as you move.
Gareth,
Most of the monstrosity has been destroyed by the combined assault. However, you are able to secure a single tooth after milking it for a single dose of what you believe is the creatures venom that causes paralysis.
Meira,
The dwarves turn to you as you interject into their conversation, "What do you propose, Mis? We can't let one of them vermin take charge of our mine. Plus, a dwarf should be running the show here. Not some puffed-up cowboy! Torrin should be the mines Overseer!"
Alisande,
Don Jon looks at you, confusion plain on his face, an awkward pause ensues before he says, "Yes, well... not to worry. I've seen my fair share of battles. In fact, I once fought an entire army of goblins and won single handedly. There was another time a once rode a carrion crawler through the underdark. Tamed it myself, I did. Called it Susan. It looked like a Susan to me."
Lyra,
You are confident that Don Jon is healed and no longer has lycanthropy. Sister Garaele returns your smile and even provides her hand for you to high-five. She stands up and helps Don Jon to stand as well before she says, "Well, I should start back to town. I should be able to make it before sundown if I hurry." She asks Alisande, "Will you and Rasziel be accompanying me back to Phandalin to complete your escort contract?"
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Meira continues speaking to the dwarves in dwarvish.
"Well, not sure it's fair to call Mr. Don-Jon a vermin," she said. "He was bitten, but I am sure Sister Garaele and Lyra will get him healed real soon. As for Overseer, I'm not sure how that works. I think he represents the owners?" your spoiler here.
She glances at the dwarves for confirmation. "I could talk to him and see if he'd be willing to perhaps be co-Overseers? Or he's Overseer and you're in charge of the dwarves? Chief Foreman or something?"
She lowers her voice, as if speaking conspiratorally. "I think as long as he gets a title, and you listen to his overblown stories, he's going to let Torrin do all the work running the place."
(Persuasion, if needed: 20)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Meira,
"Aye, Chief Foreman. I like that title." Dremlie says as the rest nod in agreement. "Right then. You convince Don Jon to promote Torrin to Chief Forman (AKA Assistant
to theRegional Manager) and, provided he's healed of the curse, we'll play nice with Don Jon." The dwarves laugh as you mention his overblow stories. "Aye, that man would scare at his own shadow more than like."Your argument was persuasive and you get the sense the dwarves have calmed down and are willing to work with the cowboy.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Meira nods at the dwarves, giving them a smile. She says just one more brief thing to the dwarves in dwarvish
"Thank you. I will talk to him."
She then heads back over to see how the patient is doing. She just catches the words from Sister Garaele about returning to Phandalin and asking Alisande and Rasziel to accompany her. "Sister, I think all of our group was hoping to get back to Phandalin. Perhaps we could all go together? I don't think we have too much more business here. You really think we can be back tonight?"
She then gives Lyra a brief smile before turning to Don-Jon. "Mister Don-Jon, how are you doing now? I have the utmost confidence that these two fine ladies have you back to near perfect health now." She pauses a moment, also trying to assess for herself how the man is doing. Assuming he seems fine, she continues. "I would also like to have a brief word with you if you would."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"That is a great relief. A most commendable outcome." Alisande says in reply to Lyra's update on the patient's condition. Noting the halfling priestess' attempts at a more cultivated tenor of speech, the noblewoman tries to meet her halfway, and somewhat stiffly offers her hand to Lyra for another high-five. "Uh... good job."
When Don Juan spins his tales of unlikely valour, Alisande's brows scale her forehead, inching higher and higher at the sheer preposterousness of his stories. At last, she can't help but choke back a laugh.
"I seee. Hm, well... perhaps it makes sense that this ferocious predator was so singularly determined to feast upon your flesh, at the exclusion of all others. Maybe... just maybe this was Susan's jilted lover? Come to avenge his honour in a fit of romantic pique? Provoked by the dashing, amorous rake who stole away into the night with his carrion-crawler bride?" Amusement plays on Alisande's lips, despite her grave, sagacious tone. She gives Raskin a chiding look. "One must exercise circumspection in the delicate courtship of monstrous invertebrates, Don Juan."
With her silly counsel delivered, Alisande turns to assist in the exploration of the cave network... only to be stymied by Sister Garaele's question. "Ah, of course, Sister. Rasziel and I would be remiss in our duties if we were to leave you unattended on the return voyage." She looks mildly deflated at missing out, but perks up when Meira suggests that they be accompanied by her group. "Unless Sister Garaele objects... the more the merrier, I say. Please, you are all most welcome to join us."
"I guess there's really not much up here, then." Zephyros casually mentions to Rasziel before adding, "Unless you wanted to scare the unsuspecting, of course."
Ironheart travels back down the rope and heads toward the room where the dead crawler lay.
His hefty boots stomping on the floor, The soldier wanders over to the rest of the party. The bear of a man notices Don-Juan completely healed (More or less) and greets the clerics by saying, "Well done! Glad I'm on your guy's side!" Which then the man proceeds to offer a high five.
Zephyros then turns toward the noblewoman.
"I believe we're due for a formal introduction. Your name is..." Ironheart pauses for a brief moment, trying to recall the mage's name. "Miss Immerwood?"
The veteran extends his hand to shake the woman's. "I'm Zephyros Ironheart. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Rasziel nods in agreement with the bearded soldier. He raises an eyebrow at mention of scaring the unsuspecting, but decides to let it go. "No, we should perhaps return." He says with a small smile, hovering after the soldier as he makes it back to the others.
"We decided to return, no more monsters closeby at least, but if they burrow through the rock you would unfortunately need to stay vigilant." He reports to the dwarves as he and the bearded soldier returns, then turning to the others, ready to escort Sister Garaele back to Phandalin.
Lyra looks wide-eyed at Don-Jon and Alisande, and when the noblewoman finishes speaking, her eyes sparkle as she claps her hands together. "Oh! Someone has to write a ballad about this tragic carrion crawler romance! It's perfect. And of course, Don Juan himself would have been at the center, sweeping Susan off… her many feet! I'd say that story would sell very nicely," she adds, laughing heartily.
The cleric blinks at Alisande's stiffly offered hand, her expression briefly solemn as she processes the noblewoman's effort to meet her on her own terms. Then, with a sudden bright grin, she lights up, jumps a little, and smacks the high-five with cheerfully. "Thank you!" She has a bit more trouble reaching Zephyros's high-five, but she manages it with the same energy. It's clear these exchanges have fully charged the halfling's enthusiasm.
Lyra wonders what Meira and Don-Jon need to discuss but respects their space, staying a bit away so that they can speak confortably. She nods energetically when Meira replies to Sister Garaele that they can all go back together to Phandalin. "Fantastic idea! The more the merrier, and the safer the road for all of us, right?" she says.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren
Meira,
You walk back to the group, and you see Lyra high-fiving everyone. Sister Garaele turns around to listen to you and responds, "If we leave soon, we should get back to Phandalin with a few hours of light left. I would love the company of you gallant warriors on the return trip!"
You address Don Jon, he nods to your request and says, "Of course, but let's leave this office. I've had enough of being in this room. Let's step outside." He walks to the mine entrance and then waits for you outside.
Alisande,
Don Jon again gives you a quizzical look before he says, "Yes, of course! That must be it. Jilted lover... that's the truth of it." He turns to go outside to talk to Meira.
Lyra,
Don Jon beams at your suggestion that he should be the main focus of a ballad in his honor. Grinning ear to ear as he heads outside.
Meanwhile,
Torrin rejoins his dwarven companions and begins to discuss (in common) the events that transpired. Torrin relays that Don Jon has healed and is no longer a threat to them. There is a large carrion crawler dead in the office/prison cell, and Torrin asks Dremlie and Finlie to start cutting it up and remove it before it begins to rot. The dwarves begin to grumble, but otherwise move to follow Torrin's order.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
Gareth puts the carrion crawler tooth in his pack and is pleased to have extracted some of its venom, which he coats one of his arrows with immediately. He sticks this arrow in his pack instead of his quiver so that he can distinguish it from the regular ones. When Don Jon starts off on one of his outrageous tall tales, Gareth tries not to roll his eyes too much, but when the man mentions 'Susan' he can't help but snort loudly.
"We'd be glad to accompany you back to Phandalin, Sister," Gareth says to the cleric after standing up and wiping his hands off with a rag from his pack. "I believe we've accomplished what we set out to do here, thanks in no small part to you."
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." ~ Albert Einstein
Pronouns: She / Her
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
Meira finds herself grinning at Alisande's remark to Don-Jon about 'Susan's lover'. But she quickly masks her amusement as she follows the man out to speak to him.
"Mr Don-Jon, I wanted to ask you a little bit about the mines. You are the Overseer of this place, right? You represent the owners?" she begins. "I was talking to Torrin, and he really seems to know a lot about this mine. He and his dwarves are quite a team. You ought to consider making him Chief Forman here. You could just let him know what you need and leave the boring, mundane details to him!" She gives him a knowing nod. "You could then have more time to focus on more important things. Supply shipments and ore deliveries and that sort of thing. I mean, I don't really know, but you do!" She smiles, "Maybe you could even travel back to Phandalin with us. It might be good with that dragon about to have someone safe in town to keep informed on what is happening and for the mine to have a person on the outside in case of troubles."
She pauses as though waiting for a response, though she quickly adds. "Did we tell you we actually had a run in with the dragon not too far from here? We were lucky that Lyra was the only one hurt. But who knows if the dragon might take an interest in the mine at some point. Sure, the dwarves would be safe inside, but they'd need someone outside to be able to take action on their behalf!"
(Persuasion: 24)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Tuning in on the conversation, the young purple-robed dark-haired man with the sinister-looking scar gathers that the group of adventurers are returning to Phandalin with Sister Garaele. With a small pleased smile Rasziel walks over to Torrin to inform himself on the situation with the goldmine before leaving.
(Don't want to hold up the game but Rasziel would simply make some polite conversation, showing an interest in the current situation with the gold mine, who owns it and how business is running, particularly current business considering all the threats that could disrupt this trade, curious to see if there was any business opportunity here at all.)
(Persuasion: 11 if relevant)
Gareth,
Sister Garaele smiles and gently touches you on the shoulder as she says, "That is wonderful. Thank you."
Rasziel,
You walk with Torrin back to where the dwarves are conversing.
After listening to Torrin update the others regarding Don Jon's status, and watching Dremlie and Finlie set out to complete their assigned task, you ask Torrin about the mine's status. You learn that the Neverwinter Consortium owns the Mountain's Toe Gold Mine. They hired Don-Jon Raskin to be Overseer of the mine. Don-Jon hired the group you've just met (Zephyros, Meira, Lyra, Gareth, and Eldrin) to escort the cowboy to the mine. They were attacked by Wererats who killed eleven of their miners and then took over the mine. Torrin, Boggin, Dremile, Finlie, and Grinlie barely escaped the same fate by barricading a section of the mine. The wererats tossed their dead into a pile near the entrance to the mine, which allowed the surviving dwarves to bury their dead. They then reforged their pickaxes with silver ore from the mine and counterattacked with the adventurer's help. Torrin tells you Don-Jon is enept at negotiation and agreed to give the group 26% of the mine's profits for their help clearing the mine of the vermin infestation, with a 1% drop in profits every year thereafter. He isn't willing to discuss the financial status of the mine, but makes it clear that the mine has suffered a huge hit with the loss of so many miners. He asks you to post a notice on the job board in Phandalin, and he scrawls it quickly before handing it to you along with 2gp for your trouble. The notice reads:
You get the sense Torrin thinks Don-Jon is a moron, but Torrin is smart enough to know he has no choice but to work with the man. You also recognize that you might see a portion of those profits if you ingratiate yourself with the group of adventurers.
Meira,
You walk with Don-Jon outside and talk with the cowboy.
He nods as you ask about his position within the mines hierarchy. He agrees that Torrin is a competent leader and says, "Chief Foreman? Hmm... Okay then. I think I can make that a formal title with a small compensation increase for his efforts. Not a problem." However, before the cowboy can finish responding to your suggestion for him to join you back in Phandalin...
You hear a loud swooshing sound and look above the mine just in time to see a Gargantuan ancient green dragon land atop the mountain where the mine is located. As the dragon lands, the ground beneath your feet rumbles and shakes from the force. Don-Jon turns in the dragon's direction and begins to tremble in fear. Please make a wisdom saving throw, DC 19, or become frightened for 1 minute. The dragon looks directly at you and Don-Jon for what feels like an eternity before unfurling its wings, taking flight once more.
Everyone inside the mine,
Inside the mine, you all hear a loud crashing sound as if something very large impacted the mountain above the mine. You all feel the earth tremble and shake violently for half a second. Parts of the mine's ceiling begin to fall in chunks around you. Everyone except Meira, please make a dexterity saving throw, DC 13, or take 8 bludgeoning damage from falling rocks.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights. DM for Dragons of Icespire Peak Pbp
(Dex save: 7)
Lyra's enthusiasm shatters the instant the mountain roars above them. The violent tremor sends stones raining down, and before she can scramble for cover, a jagged chunk of rock slams hard against her head. Her scream pierces the dust-filled air as she clutches her skull, her fingers coming away slick with blood.
"W–what… what was that!?" she gasps, panic edging her voice. Her wide eyes flick to the tunnel's mouth where Meira and Don-Jon disappeared. "Is it coming from outside!?"
Her knees nearly give way beneath her, but she grits her teeth, staggering toward the exit with trembling legs, seeking to understand what just happened, and if Meira and Don-Jon are okay.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren