More than one thousand years ago, the wizard Halaster Blackcloak, journeyed from a distant land to the base of Mount Waterdeep, perhaps acceding to the whispered summons of providence. Some believe he hailed from the nearly forgotten empire known as the Cradlelands. In ages past, humanity spread from the Cradlelands across Faerûn, originating from what is now the Plains of Purple Dust, a wasteland birthed out of a conflict with the gods. Others give Halaster less ancient origins, placing him among the early wizards of Netheril, or asserting that he came from a southern nation long since buried by sand and time. Whatever his origin, scholars have recorded that Halaster brought with him seven apprentices to Mount Waterdeep.
Time: Early evening 6 PM The Yawning portal is starting to gather a crowd.
The Yawning Portal, a famous inn and tavern located near the eastern slope of Mount Waterdeep, derives its name from a 40-foot-diameter well that descends into the first level of Undermountain. Located in the center of the taproom, the well was once the outer shell of Halaster’s mighty tower, which was demolished long ago. Its sheer walls are made of old mortared stones. Next to this gaping orifice hangs a winch with a simple rope-and-pulley mechanism that Durnan, the proprietor, uses to lower adventurers down the shaft and (sometimes) pull them up again. Durnan controls the winch himself and will transport only one adventurer at a time. The trip takes 10 rounds, down and up. The rope is stained with old blood and long enough to reach all the way to the floor of the dark room at the bottom of the 140-foot shaft.
Levi Flint A medium build human in Adamantine plate with a shield, Adamantine Rapier and darts on his belt. A backpack full of stuff, Sack the same. Thieves tool, and abundant potions cinched to his belt are visible. Black hair, green eyes and a slight smile is usually present. Levi sits in the corner so he can see the doorway and most of the taproom. He's hoping to find some others looking to take a trip down the rope. He has an ale and a pipe of good tobacco going. There are three open seats at the table he has reserved for just the right sort of company.
Capacuana frowned as she enters the Yawning Portal. It wasn't the stench of people or ale or food that caused her bad humor - she had been warned about those. It was that it was there were just so many people at this well-known spot and she was sick and tired of people. Sometimes being a goliath has its benefits, namely that people fear you and stay away just due to size. Other times, they fear you and challenge you, again just due to size. The later was more common in Waterdeep than she had expected or wanted, which resulted in sore knuckles and a mighty thirst. It was beyond her comprehension why someone would challenge a person her size (6'6", 150 pounds of obvious muscle) who was carrying a greatsword and a war pick with a blood-stained wooden handle, among other visible weapons.
She gracefully weaves her way to the bar before aggressively moving some puny halfling ten feet to its left against its will, and gestures for a large ale. When it was delivered, she gestured for a second one and laid a gold piece on the bar top. The top looked as if it had seen a rag at least once in the past year, but only the gods knew how many generations of bacteria were evolving on that surface. With one ale down and the second in her hand, Capacuana looked around to see if there was anything worth seeing in this place. It was her experience that trouble usually lurks in corners, particularly since that was her favorite spot to sit, so that is where she started her inspection. She quickly identified Levi as a person of suspicion. What was odd about him was his smile - why would anyone in a corner smile? - so she resolved to learn more about this odd situation. Afterall, she might be needing o engage in what she calls "proactive protection" and what most law enforcement call "assassination".
Capacuana, with her ale in her left hand and righthand flexing in anticipation, walked over to the smiling man. She stands over him to asks, "So what is your story?"
The Yawning Portal was already humming with evening life when Arden Brightsteel pushed open its heavy door. Warm, flickering lanternlight spilled across the threshold as he stepped through—just another soul marked for the deep, or so thought the crowd too busy with their drinks and dice to look twice.
His armor was well-kept but bore the wear of honest labor and long roads. Gentle vines etched in silver twined along the plates, some of them real—woven from wildflower stems, still vibrant. His battleaxe rested at his back, the haft polished smooth by time and prayer. His shield, however, was what caught the light: a sun rising over a winding road, the holy symbol of Lathander, glinting faintly like dawn over dew.
His beard, thick and ginger like hearth embers, held a single braid wrapped in tiny hill flowers, a modest but intentional offering—both to Chauntea and to the joy of living things.
As he walked, his boots thudded gently against the old wooden floorboards. He muttered low prayers under his breath, the names of Lathander and Chauntea falling like petals in spring.
When a passing barmaid jostled a tray, spilling a half-orc's drink, Arden stepped in with a chuckle and paid for another before the poor fellow could so much as sputter. “No sense cryin’ over spilled ale, my friend. Let’s make it a fresh one—and sweeter than the last, eh?”
Still unnoticed by the larger crowd, Arden’s eyes turned toward a corner table—where a human in glinting adamantine plate sat smoking calmly, flanked by a hulking woman whose presence alone made some patrons avert their gaze. Something about them told Arden they weren’t here for empty boasts or fast deaths.
He didn’t hesitate.
Three drinks later, Arden approached with his shield slung over his shoulder and a warm smile on his face. He set the mugs down on the table, the foam still curling gently over the rims.
“Lathander’s light and Chauntea’s bounty be ever with you! Care for a drink and some company, friends? You may call me Arden. By what name may I call yee?”
Zertell a gnome is sitting by himself in the back of the tavern. Just watching how things will progress. grey cloak , backpack , bow and a rapier are on his body
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Capacuana, with her ale in her left hand and righthand flexing in anticipation, walked over to the smiling man. She stands over him to asks, "So what is your story?"
Levi kicks out a chair still smiling. He watched as the big female Goliath waled in. What a pair he thought almost giggling. He took a toke on his pipe and a sip of his ale. He had to admit either they want a fight or they are making sure they don't want a fight. As they start heading his way he thinks. Finally, a person he could use....uh team up with. He's going to need friends for this. He best start working on that too, "Ah the name is Levi, have a seat unless you want to miss out on a grand plan. I'm not going to tell the story a bunch of time though so I'll wait for a few more to come over. Don't worry I'm sure we'll have more company. Just as you are curious so will others. Now even more so if you join me. You up for it?"
“Lathander’s light and Chauntea’s bounty be ever with you! Care for a drink and some company, friends? You may call me Arden. By what name may I call yee?”
Shorlty after Capacuana, came over he spies a holier than thought dwarf come in the taproom. Paying for that half orcs ale was smooth for sure and drinking three before they start making their way to the table. Well that's a dwarf for ya. I just hope they can hold their ale just as well too. We don't need a drunk as he kicks out a chair for the dwarf, "Ah the name is Levi, I'll let my new friend chime in for themselves. Lathander and Chauntae you say. I have no grudge with them. I'm hoping we'll get one more with the courage as you have to join us. I have no doubt we'll get another brave enough to see what I have in mind. Likely you have put together my plan already."
Levi takes a glance around the Taproom casually and notes a lone gnome in the back of the bar.
The three over you spend until 10pm waiting for a 4th to join you as you listen to the crowd spin taies of events.
The gnome listens in on the crowds tales also over the course of 4hrs now 10pm
Everyone needs to roll an Investigation check or Insight check please -- No guidance for anyone. The trio Levi, Arden and Capacuana gain advantage as they each can use the others to listen in on the same stories. Zertell is alone for the moment.
Arden let out a hearty laugh at Levi’s assurance that he held no grudge against Chauntea or Lathander. “I’d surely hope not, friend! Sounds like you and I’ll get along just fine.” With a cheerful wave, he flagged down a barmaid and ordered another round of food and drink for the table if they desired for it. He scanned the tavern with a farmer’s patience and a paladin’s purpose, waiting for someone. He already suspected Levi and Capacuana were planning a descent into the deep, but he wouldn’t press. Let them speak in their own time.
Capacuana investigation (nat 1+1=2 for first roll, 19+1=20 for second roll)
She sits in the offered chair, which squeaks briefly as settles in. She is willing to eat and drink with the smiling man and the dwarf and does so with gusto. Neither looked like they would be easy outs, but she always has confidence in her ability to protect herself and besides, the food and ale was as good as advertised. After introductions and surprisingly pleasant small talk for a time, she determines that these two might be worthwhile companions for her next practice. "So, what do you know about going down? I heard there is some treasure to be found and some renown to be won down there. Or is that part of the grand plan that you mentioned earlier."
Zertell passive perception (25)... if i need to roll 19.
It is specifically an investigation or insight check for this one.
Its amazing that i read the word’s multiple times and had thought perceptioncheck was allowed. Let me roll an allowed check. Passive insight 17. Active check 12
Three of us (Levi, Arden and Capacuana) hear and interesting secret they hear in the background noise. The taproom is getting a bit more animated.
OOC - PM's sent.
Obaya approaches the adventurers Zertell, "If you'll follow me I think you'll want to hear my offers, Master Wizard. I'd prefer to say it once if you catch my drift."
Obaya moves over to the table with Levi, Arden and Capacuana and Levi pushes out a chair to the Gnome. Levi gets up and offers his seat to Obaya. She sits and speaks softly but loud enough for you four to hear without bystanders nosing in. You surmise that Obaya may have an offers to pay for any unwanted magic items they find in Undermountain, at least your prior conversation in waterdeep lead you to believe, "Hello, I am Obaya I am looking for adventurers willing to go down the hole to seek out treasure and bring it back to me, only those you do not want of course. I will pay handsomely for them based on rarity. Let's see, 10pp for common, 50pp for uncommon, 500pp rare, 5000pp very rare and is nonnegotiable. I have secured my funds in Waterdavian banks and can pay handsomely within a matter of hours for any magic items you bring to me. You won't find a better offer my new friends. Take your time and discuss amongst yourselves. I'll be here when you get back if you accept the deal."
"Oh, one more thing. I am also interested in buying spellbooks for Wakanga O’tamu. I price a spellbook based on the highest-level spell contained in it: 5 pp for 1st level, 25 pp for 2nd or 3rd level, 100 pp for 4th or 5th level, 250 pp for 6th or 7th level, and 500 pp for 8th or 9th level. I would recommend a good nights sleep
"I have arranged for for a luxury rooms, including both morningfeast and evenfeast for each of you."OOC 3gp each she pays for you 4.
"I'll be here in the morning unless you care to indicate your preferences now?"
"I'll take a good night sleep and go down the hole in the morning. Who is with me in the morning?" Capacuana demonstrates her ability to be decisive, which can also appear as impulsive depending on the success of the venture. She also is demonstrating that she has come to enjoy the perks of living with a noble if she is willing to wait a few hours for some more time in a luxury room.
Zertell, having accepted the offer to join the table, sits down and nods in recognition to the ppl that he has been invited. On hearing Obaya's info says " I will be interested in trying my luck underground.. unsure what secrets it holds, i am willing to look, if others will have me."
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More than one thousand years ago, the wizard Halaster Blackcloak, journeyed from a distant land to the base of Mount Waterdeep, perhaps acceding to the whispered summons of providence. Some believe he hailed from the nearly forgotten empire known as the Cradlelands. In ages past, humanity spread from the Cradlelands across Faerûn, originating from what is now the Plains of Purple Dust, a wasteland birthed out of a conflict with the gods. Others give Halaster less ancient origins, placing him among the early wizards of Netheril, or asserting that he came from a southern nation long since buried by sand and time. Whatever his origin, scholars have recorded that Halaster brought with him seven apprentices to Mount Waterdeep.
More to follow.
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Holding spot
Time: Early evening 6 PM The Yawning portal is starting to gather a crowd.
The Yawning Portal, a famous inn and tavern located near the eastern slope of Mount Waterdeep, derives its name from a 40-foot-diameter well that descends into the first level of Undermountain. Located in the center of the taproom, the well was once the outer shell of Halaster’s mighty tower, which was demolished long ago. Its sheer walls are made of old mortared stones. Next to this gaping orifice hangs a winch with a simple rope-and-pulley mechanism that Durnan, the proprietor, uses to lower adventurers down the shaft and (sometimes) pull them up again. Durnan controls the winch himself and will transport only one adventurer at a time. The trip takes 10 rounds, down and up. The rope is stained with old blood and long enough to reach all the way to the floor of the dark room at the bottom of the 140-foot shaft.
Levi Flint A medium build human in Adamantine plate with a shield, Adamantine Rapier and darts on his belt. A backpack full of stuff, Sack the same. Thieves tool, and abundant potions cinched to his belt are visible. Black hair, green eyes and a slight smile is usually present. Levi sits in the corner so he can see the doorway and most of the taproom. He's hoping to find some others looking to take a trip down the rope. He has an ale and a pipe of good tobacco going. There are three open seats at the table he has reserved for just the right sort of company.
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Capacuana frowned as she enters the Yawning Portal. It wasn't the stench of people or ale or food that caused her bad humor - she had been warned about those. It was that it was there were just so many people at this well-known spot and she was sick and tired of people. Sometimes being a goliath has its benefits, namely that people fear you and stay away just due to size. Other times, they fear you and challenge you, again just due to size. The later was more common in Waterdeep than she had expected or wanted, which resulted in sore knuckles and a mighty thirst. It was beyond her comprehension why someone would challenge a person her size (6'6", 150 pounds of obvious muscle) who was carrying a greatsword and a war pick with a blood-stained wooden handle, among other visible weapons.
She gracefully weaves her way to the bar before aggressively moving some puny halfling ten feet to its left against its will, and gestures for a large ale. When it was delivered, she gestured for a second one and laid a gold piece on the bar top. The top looked as if it had seen a rag at least once in the past year, but only the gods knew how many generations of bacteria were evolving on that surface. With one ale down and the second in her hand, Capacuana looked around to see if there was anything worth seeing in this place. It was her experience that trouble usually lurks in corners, particularly since that was her favorite spot to sit, so that is where she started her inspection. She quickly identified Levi as a person of suspicion. What was odd about him was his smile - why would anyone in a corner smile? - so she resolved to learn more about this odd situation. Afterall, she might be needing o engage in what she calls "proactive protection" and what most law enforcement call "assassination".
Capacuana, with her ale in her left hand and righthand flexing in anticipation, walked over to the smiling man. She stands over him to asks, "So what is your story?"
4'5" tall
The Yawning Portal was already humming with evening life when Arden Brightsteel pushed open its heavy door. Warm, flickering lanternlight spilled across the threshold as he stepped through—just another soul marked for the deep, or so thought the crowd too busy with their drinks and dice to look twice.
His armor was well-kept but bore the wear of honest labor and long roads. Gentle vines etched in silver twined along the plates, some of them real—woven from wildflower stems, still vibrant. His battleaxe rested at his back, the haft polished smooth by time and prayer. His shield, however, was what caught the light: a sun rising over a winding road, the holy symbol of Lathander, glinting faintly like dawn over dew.
His beard, thick and ginger like hearth embers, held a single braid wrapped in tiny hill flowers, a modest but intentional offering—both to Chauntea and to the joy of living things.
As he walked, his boots thudded gently against the old wooden floorboards. He muttered low prayers under his breath, the names of Lathander and Chauntea falling like petals in spring.
When a passing barmaid jostled a tray, spilling a half-orc's drink, Arden stepped in with a chuckle and paid for another before the poor fellow could so much as sputter. “No sense cryin’ over spilled ale, my friend. Let’s make it a fresh one—and sweeter than the last, eh?”
Still unnoticed by the larger crowd, Arden’s eyes turned toward a corner table—where a human in glinting adamantine plate sat smoking calmly, flanked by a hulking woman whose presence alone made some patrons avert their gaze. Something about them told Arden they weren’t here for empty boasts or fast deaths.
He didn’t hesitate.
Three drinks later, Arden approached with his shield slung over his shoulder and a warm smile on his face. He set the mugs down on the table, the foam still curling gently over the rims.
“Lathander’s light and Chauntea’s bounty be ever with you! Care for a drink and some company, friends? You may call me Arden. By what name may I call yee?”
Currently DMing:
Zertell a gnome is sitting by himself in the back of the tavern. Just watching how things will progress.
grey cloak , backpack , bow and a rapier are on his body
Levi kicks out a chair still smiling. He watched as the big female Goliath waled in. What a pair he thought almost giggling. He took a toke on his pipe and a sip of his ale. He had to admit either they want a fight or they are making sure they don't want a fight. As they start heading his way he thinks. Finally, a person he could use....uh team up with. He's going to need friends for this. He best start working on that too, "Ah the name is Levi, have a seat unless you want to miss out on a grand plan. I'm not going to tell the story a bunch of time though so I'll wait for a few more to come over. Don't worry I'm sure we'll have more company. Just as you are curious so will others. Now even more so if you join me. You up for it?"
Shorlty after Capacuana, came over he spies a holier than thought dwarf come in the taproom. Paying for that half orcs ale was smooth for sure and drinking three before they start making their way to the table. Well that's a dwarf for ya. I just hope they can hold their ale just as well too. We don't need a drunk as he kicks out a chair for the dwarf, "Ah the name is Levi, I'll let my new friend chime in for themselves. Lathander and Chauntae you say. I have no grudge with them. I'm hoping we'll get one more with the courage as you have to join us. I have no doubt we'll get another brave enough to see what I have in mind. Likely you have put together my plan already."
Levi takes a glance around the Taproom casually and notes a lone gnome in the back of the bar.
The three over you spend until 10pm waiting for a 4th to join you as you listen to the crowd spin taies of events.
The gnome listens in on the crowds tales also over the course of 4hrs now 10pm
Everyone needs to roll an Investigation check or Insight check please -- No guidance for anyone. The trio Levi, Arden and Capacuana gain advantage as they each can use the others to listen in on the same stories. Zertell is alone for the moment.
Levi Investigation! 25
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Nice a Crit success 20+9.....for Levi
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Zertell passive perception (25)... if i need to roll 19.
Arden let out a hearty laugh at Levi’s assurance that he held no grudge against Chauntea or Lathander. “I’d surely hope not, friend! Sounds like you and I’ll get along just fine.” With a cheerful wave, he flagged down a barmaid and ordered another round of food and drink for the table if they desired for it. He scanned the tavern with a farmer’s patience and a paladin’s purpose, waiting for someone. He already suspected Levi and Capacuana were planning a descent into the deep, but he wouldn’t press. Let them speak in their own time.
Arden Insight - 22
Currently DMing:
Capacuana investigation (nat 1+1=2 for first roll, 19+1=20 for second roll)
She sits in the offered chair, which squeaks briefly as settles in. She is willing to eat and drink with the smiling man and the dwarf and does so with gusto. Neither looked like they would be easy outs, but she always has confidence in her ability to protect herself and besides, the food and ale was as good as advertised. After introductions and surprisingly pleasant small talk for a time, she determines that these two might be worthwhile companions for her next practice. "So, what do you know about going down? I heard there is some treasure to be found and some renown to be won down there. Or is that part of the grand plan that you mentioned earlier."
It is specifically an investigation or insight check for this one.
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
Its amazing that i read the word’s multiple times and had thought perceptioncheck was allowed. Let me roll an allowed check. Passive insight 17. Active check 12
OOC - Everyone but Zertell roll a 1d18 for me please.
3 Levi's roll
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
OOC: Oddly specific number. I'm intrigued.
Arden's roll - 3
Currently DMing:
D18 was 13
D18=10
Three of us (Levi, Arden and Capacuana) hear and interesting secret they hear in the background noise. The taproom is getting a bit more animated.
OOC - PM's sent.
Obaya approaches the adventurers Zertell, "If you'll follow me I think you'll want to hear my offers, Master Wizard. I'd prefer to say it once if you catch my drift."
Obaya moves over to the table with Levi, Arden and Capacuana and Levi pushes out a chair to the Gnome. Levi gets up and offers his seat to Obaya. She sits and speaks softly but loud enough for you four to hear without bystanders nosing in. You surmise that Obaya may have an offers to pay for any unwanted magic items they find in Undermountain, at least your prior conversation in waterdeep lead you to believe, "Hello, I am Obaya I am looking for adventurers willing to go down the hole to seek out treasure and bring it back to me, only those you do not want of course. I will pay handsomely for them based on rarity. Let's see, 10pp for common, 50pp for uncommon, 500pp rare, 5000pp very rare and is nonnegotiable. I have secured my funds in Waterdavian banks and can pay handsomely within a matter of hours for any magic items you bring to me. You won't find a better offer my new friends. Take your time and discuss amongst yourselves. I'll be here when you get back if you accept the deal."
"Oh, one more thing. I am also interested in buying spellbooks for Wakanga O’tamu. I price a spellbook based on the highest-level spell contained in it: 5 pp for 1st level, 25 pp for 2nd or 3rd level, 100 pp for 4th or 5th level, 250 pp for 6th or 7th level, and 500 pp for 8th or 9th level. I would recommend a good nights sleep
"I have arranged for for a luxury rooms, including both morningfeast and evenfeast for each of you." OOC 3gp each she pays for you 4.
"I'll be here in the morning unless you care to indicate your preferences now?"
Signature
Levi Flint - DM - Mad Mage; Korvin - DM - Tyranny of Dragons; Player Lucan - The One Breath, Player Gildor Surion - Balder's Gate-Decent;
"I'll take a good night sleep and go down the hole in the morning. Who is with me in the morning?" Capacuana demonstrates her ability to be decisive, which can also appear as impulsive depending on the success of the venture. She also is demonstrating that she has come to enjoy the perks of living with a noble if she is willing to wait a few hours for some more time in a luxury room.
Zertell, having accepted the offer to join the table, sits down and nods in recognition to the ppl that he has been invited. On hearing Obaya's info says " I will be interested in trying my luck underground.. unsure what secrets it holds, i am willing to look, if others will have me."