Becklin turned to face the crowd and dinged a fork against her stein to get attention. Tonight we celebrate the life of Ispin Greenshield in the manner he asked for. Good friends take your turns telling us a story of how you met Ispin, and eat drink and be merry for a good hangover as he required.
The gnome found himself rushing from the docks back to the Brass Crab for his last-minute preparations. It was nice to enjoy the water (the sight and the smell), but Ispin's memorial was not an occasion to be missed. Perhaps he arrived a little late, enough time to grab a plate and a mild drink (a pint of a refreshing summer ale called 'Sailor's Shandy Shanty' a local brew the wharf hands might enjoy).
He enjoyed the music and the reverie as he tasted just enough of everything. The breads were scrumptious, the meats delicious, the cheese was tasty, and the produced prepared in a variety of ways all paired lovely with the drink. The gnome had just returned to his seat when Becklin called forth for stories of the recently departed. Salty climbed upon a chair to give his friend as proper of an honor as he could. He cleared his throat, took a breath, and began.
"Ispin was as loyal a friend as any could have, I will retell the tale we had when we were lads. Of a place far from here, but dear to my heart, One of this world, yet across the sea still a part. Off to the West, it might be hard to find, Do you know what I speak of, oh Nevermind! It is here that I met the man of the hour, Tall as he was, over us he did tower. But his mind held great knowledge he readily shared, and in a time of need, it was as if we were paired. A force had come to cause harm to all, The enemy great, and we were so small. But numbers alone do not make for conquest, We developed a plan, that led to success. Of inventions and contraptions, with everyone's hands, We all worked together to secure the lands. From pit traps and fire breaks, to ambushes with bushes, From armored spear balls, that looked like pincushions, Some designs of mine own were included in those battles, But the glory of victory goes to Ispin, astride and in saddle. The goblin force he met head-on at the last, And charged to the front, for a most deadly pass. Single-handedly with no effort he slayed their leader, And the force was routed; they departed the theater. I learned much from Ispin, a great friend was he. TO ISPIN I SAY, MAY AT REST YOU NOW BE!
The tinker raises his glass at the last, toasting his friend with the group. As the crowd settles down, he places the small music-box (finely carved and inlaid with silver) he has been working on and opens the lid. A silent image of Ispin is seen, shortly after a cascade of fireworks volley forth and light up the sky, confined to the appropriate space without cause for harm or destruction. The box closes on its own as Salty returns to his seat, tears of joy well up in his eyes at the memories of his friend.
Feeing pretty good about herself and ready to face the world as Kronin did, once she enters the Brass Crab and sees Becklin standing near the bar with an ale talking to a man in armour with a rich red tabard, she waits for a lull in their conversation as she doesn't want to be rude, but then saunters right on up. "Hello!" she says to the man, "Who might you be? Did you know Ispin?"
As Salty starts in on his honor of their friend, Vexi watches him closely and hears every word. She smiles broadly and as the little music box does it's thing, she gasps and claps loudly for her new friend.
We met on the Battlefield, he saved my life by coming to my rescue, I'd been dismounted and surrounded by the enemy. His strong arm won the day. I'm Ridomir Ironsmile leader of the Ironclad Regiment. Since we are as good as friends call me Cudgel, my men do. Tomorrow we are taking part in the Militias reenactment of the battle for Vogler. Are you perhaps taking part on the side of the militia?
Vardok has been eating this whole time, and a couple of mugs of ale are beside his plate. He stands and then takes a step up onto the table, full of vim and vigor.
"Ispin was a friend of mine and Vexi's" pointing her out "and he would come to Hillshar with the most fanciful of tales. He was so kind to us, would bring us some trinket or toy, some souvenir of his travels, along with the story behind it. He was kind and proud, fierce and friendly all at once. What he gave me was an appreciation of the world. He lit a fire in me to travel and to make something of myself. He told me that you just need to keep exploring, keep moving. One day I remember him saying to me on a visit, "It's a dangerous business, Vardok, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to. Well, my friend, your travels are done. Rest now. You've earned it. And you've lit a fire in me, that will burn all of my life. To explore this world and help people like you did. That's all ...". Vardok lifts his mug and takes a big draught and then unsteadily gets back down and sits down with a grin on his face.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Levna knocked on the table with her stein, Thank you friend Vardok!
As for me I was a young squire, my mentor Halfric Uth Therian, we found a village terrorized by bandits so we went to take them on. The village militia faded into the woods too scared to continue following us.
Ten well armed men ambushed us and we fought with them dropping their number to 6. Then Halfric took a sharp blow over his head and fell senseless to the floor. They threw a net over me, very similar to the boat fishing hand nets here. The net tightened around me and they pulled me from my horse. They took out their anger on Halfric and he was badly beaten by cudgels, he would never walk properly again.
Anyway they dragged me to their camp and tied me to a tree. Passing a wineskin amongst themselves they discussed loudly what they intended to do with us, ransom and a bit of fun, with me being the centre of the fun. I tried calling for help and it came out like a shrill scream. It was then that Ispin arrived, his great shield in one arm and a steel longsword in his hands. The fight was firece but very short. Ispin killed them all and took their heads as proof of death for a local bounty. He helped Halfric get up on his horse and we took the brigands horses as well. At the Keep I told them about his aid.We made sure that he received some money from the Knights as well. I miss him.
"Yes!" the kender replies to Cudgel as the excitement of participating of a reinactment floods over her. First a puppet show and now this? She'll have to tell her new friend Gladys about it.
As Vardok gets on the table, Vexi's attention shifts and a big grin etches her face and she lifts her mug to him as her good friend talks. "Here here!"she shouts as he finishes and she takes a large swallow. She listens intently as Levna speaks and her demeanor changes to a more serious countenance. She lowers her mug and holds it with both hands. When she talks about being dragged to the middle of camp, she looks into her mug, feeling what Levna must have been thinking. As she mentions that she misses Ispin, Vexi's eyes start filling a bit with tears and she continues to look into her mug, not trusting herself to look up.
The paladin chuckles softly as Levna’s tale concludes, raising his cup in quiet salute before leaning forward, elbows on the table. The firelight glints off the polished edge of his pauldron and the silver symbol of Paladine resting at his throat.
“Ispin always had a way of showing up exactly when he was needed,” Cassian says, his tone warm with memory. “Though I’ll admit, when we met, I didn’t think him the heroic sort. I thought him my rival.”
A few curious glances turn his way, and he clears his throat, a faint, self-conscious smile tugging at his lips. “There was…a certain nobleman in Solanthus we were both rather fond of. I was young, headstrong, and far too certain of myself. I challenged Ispin to a duel over his affections.”
The table stirs with a few amused looks and muffled chuckles. Cassian shakes his head ruefully, eyes dropping to his cup. “It was a tie, if one can call it that. We both managed to tumble off a cliff before either of us could land a proper hit. Broke an arm, a rib or two, and what pride we had left.”
He laughs then, softly but genuinely, glancing toward the fire. “We spent a fortnight recovering together in the same infirmary. By the time we could walk again, the whole matter with our so-called beloved had been forgotten. Ispin thought the whole thing hilarious, of course. Said that if we were that willing to fall for love, we might as well learn to fall for friendship too.”
He had been fine with Ispin's passing but hearing about him again made him sorely miss him. He was boisterous and struck by wanderlust, but Liwen always counted on him as his words filled his heart.
"I met Ispen Greenshield in a not often visited library. I found his mannerisms brusque and irritating but he would continue to chide me about slowly become one of the dusty tomes in the library. I turned up my nose and went on searching for a particular almanac only for the librarian to reveal that Ispen had the almanac. I had to swallow my pride and asked him for the almanac only for him to laugh in that resounding laugh he is known for. Ispen told me I could have the book only if I bested him in a contest of skill. It took some intense negotiation to give me even a sliver of a chance in this contest." he stops for a moment as he started smiling "All the contests were silly and one of them ended up with us slipping around a pig's pen to see who can better choose the heaviest pig. It made me realize there is more to the world than books and magic." A little quieter. "To Ispen. Know that you are missed and loved"
I met him when he had retired from adventuring, he needed a reason to settle down. I introduced him to my sister and they hit it off . They married a year later. He served as the militias head here in Vogler. His heart broke when Lissa died, and he was never the same.
I have a bequest from him for Cassian. She reached behind the bar and pulled out a greenshield with a tree on it. He said it was given to him by elves and enchanted not to break. Here Cassian it's for you, use it well. She handed the shield over.
The paladin gives a look of surprise before taking the shield gratefully. He examines it in the glint of the firelight. "Beautiful craftsmanship. I...Thank you. I will use it well, in honor of Ispen."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Becklin taps her stein again. Now before we all drink ourselves silly during the wake, tomorrow is a festival here. In the late afternoon there is a reenactment of the battle for Vogler. There are two sides the raiders played by the mercenaries and the town militia. We would like all of you here for the wake to take part on the militias side with Cudgel. If you want a bit of fun you are very welcome! All blades will have leather covers so no-one gets hurt. Let Cudgel here know if you want to take part. She gestures towards the man standing next to her. Now let's drink!
Liwen admires the shield and truly believes it has come to good hands with Cassian "I don't mind spectating the reenactment though I rather not be accidently bruised. Though I whole heartedly believe in getting down to drinking. One for each story Ispen has told us and they were many"
Levna looked at Cassian, he nodded back. Count the two of us in!
She walks over to Cudgel and clasps wrists with him, have you got a plan for the battle?
Cudgel laughs and says You know that all plans don't survive the initial exchange of blows! We'll be fighting cavalry, the Militia armed with spears and short swords, I'm sure that they will be relieved to have 3 knights fighting with them. Don't worry mage you can toast our success afterwards, we have referees to say when people are out and can return back to the town
Vexi raises her mug in a salute to Cudgel, "You know I'm in! Ooh! Can I be a Captain??"her eyes go wide at the thought and she starts jabbing in the air with an imaginary sword.
Vardok smiles and the excitement is clear on his face. “Absolutely, that will be a blast! A true battle! I’m definitely in!” He turns as Vexi is expressing some of the same thoughts in his mind. He says “Fine, but I’m not salutin ya. I’ll swat ya in the arse with one of those covered swords, capn! Hah!” Vardok starts jabbing the air with his own imaginary sword in vicious swordplay with his friend.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
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DM
Becklin turned to face the crowd and dinged a fork against her stein to get attention. Tonight we celebrate the life of Ispin Greenshield in the manner he asked for. Good friends take your turns telling us a story of how you met Ispin, and eat drink and be merry for a good hangover as he required.
Salty
The gnome found himself rushing from the docks back to the Brass Crab for his last-minute preparations. It was nice to enjoy the water (the sight and the smell), but Ispin's memorial was not an occasion to be missed. Perhaps he arrived a little late, enough time to grab a plate and a mild drink (a pint of a refreshing summer ale called 'Sailor's Shandy Shanty' a local brew the wharf hands might enjoy).
He enjoyed the music and the reverie as he tasted just enough of everything. The breads were scrumptious, the meats delicious, the cheese was tasty, and the produced prepared in a variety of ways all paired lovely with the drink. The gnome had just returned to his seat when Becklin called forth for stories of the recently departed. Salty climbed upon a chair to give his friend as proper of an honor as he could. He cleared his throat, took a breath, and began.
"Ispin was as loyal a friend as any could have,
I will retell the tale we had when we were lads.
Of a place far from here, but dear to my heart,
One of this world, yet across the sea still a part.
Off to the West, it might be hard to find,
Do you know what I speak of, oh Nevermind!
It is here that I met the man of the hour,
Tall as he was, over us he did tower.
But his mind held great knowledge he readily shared,
and in a time of need, it was as if we were paired.
A force had come to cause harm to all,
The enemy great, and we were so small.
But numbers alone do not make for conquest,
We developed a plan, that led to success.
Of inventions and contraptions, with everyone's hands,
We all worked together to secure the lands.
From pit traps and fire breaks, to ambushes with bushes,
From armored spear balls, that looked like pincushions,
Some designs of mine own were included in those battles,
But the glory of victory goes to Ispin, astride and in saddle.
The goblin force he met head-on at the last,
And charged to the front, for a most deadly pass.
Single-handedly with no effort he slayed their leader,
And the force was routed; they departed the theater.
I learned much from Ispin, a great friend was he.
TO ISPIN I SAY, MAY AT REST YOU NOW BE!
The tinker raises his glass at the last, toasting his friend with the group. As the crowd settles down, he places the small music-box (finely carved and inlaid with silver) he has been working on and opens the lid. A silent image of Ispin is seen, shortly after a cascade of fireworks volley forth and light up the sky, confined to the appropriate space without cause for harm or destruction. The box closes on its own as Salty returns to his seat, tears of joy well up in his eyes at the memories of his friend.
Becklin with tears in her eyes says Thank you Salty that was well said.
Vexi
Feeing pretty good about herself and ready to face the world as Kronin did, once she enters the Brass Crab and sees Becklin standing near the bar with an ale talking to a man in armour with a rich red tabard, she waits for a lull in their conversation as she doesn't want to be rude, but then saunters right on up. "Hello!" she says to the man, "Who might you be? Did you know Ispin?"
As Salty starts in on his honor of their friend, Vexi watches him closely and hears every word. She smiles broadly and as the little music box does it's thing, she gasps and claps loudly for her new friend.
DM
We met on the Battlefield, he saved my life by coming to my rescue, I'd been dismounted and surrounded by the enemy. His strong arm won the day. I'm Ridomir Ironsmile leader of the Ironclad Regiment. Since we are as good as friends call me Cudgel, my men do. Tomorrow we are taking part in the Militias reenactment of the battle for Vogler. Are you perhaps taking part on the side of the militia?
Vardok
Vardok has been eating this whole time, and a couple of mugs of ale are beside his plate. He stands and then takes a step up onto the table, full of vim and vigor.
"Ispin was a friend of mine and Vexi's" pointing her out "and he would come to Hillshar with the most fanciful of tales. He was so kind to us, would bring us some trinket or toy, some souvenir of his travels, along with the story behind it. He was kind and proud, fierce and friendly all at once. What he gave me was an appreciation of the world. He lit a fire in me to travel and to make something of myself. He told me that you just need to keep exploring, keep moving. One day I remember him saying to me on a visit, "It's a dangerous business, Vardok, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to. Well, my friend, your travels are done. Rest now. You've earned it. And you've lit a fire in me, that will burn all of my life. To explore this world and help people like you did. That's all ...". Vardok lifts his mug and takes a big draught and then unsteadily gets back down and sits down with a grin on his face.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
DM
Levna knocked on the table with her stein, Thank you friend Vardok!
As for me I was a young squire, my mentor Halfric Uth Therian, we found a village terrorized by bandits so we went to take them on. The village militia faded into the woods too scared to continue following us.
Ten well armed men ambushed us and we fought with them dropping their number to 6. Then Halfric took a sharp blow over his head and fell senseless to the floor. They threw a net over me, very similar to the boat fishing hand nets here. The net tightened around me and they pulled me from my horse. They took out their anger on Halfric and he was badly beaten by cudgels, he would never walk properly again.
Anyway they dragged me to their camp and tied me to a tree. Passing a wineskin amongst themselves they discussed loudly what they intended to do with us, ransom and a bit of fun, with me being the centre of the fun. I tried calling for help and it came out like a shrill scream. It was then that Ispin arrived, his great shield in one arm and a steel longsword in his hands. The fight was firece but very short. Ispin killed them all and took their heads as proof of death for a local bounty. He helped Halfric get up on his horse and we took the brigands horses as well. At the Keep I told them about his aid. We made sure that he received some money from the Knights as well. I miss him.
Vexi
"Yes!" the kender replies to Cudgel as the excitement of participating of a reinactment floods over her. First a puppet show and now this? She'll have to tell her new friend Gladys about it.
As Vardok gets on the table, Vexi's attention shifts and a big grin etches her face and she lifts her mug to him as her good friend talks. "Here here!" she shouts as he finishes and she takes a large swallow. She listens intently as Levna speaks and her demeanor changes to a more serious countenance. She lowers her mug and holds it with both hands. When she talks about being dragged to the middle of camp, she looks into her mug, feeling what Levna must have been thinking. As she mentions that she misses Ispin, Vexi's eyes start filling a bit with tears and she continues to look into her mug, not trusting herself to look up.
Cassian
The paladin chuckles softly as Levna’s tale concludes, raising his cup in quiet salute before leaning forward, elbows on the table. The firelight glints off the polished edge of his pauldron and the silver symbol of Paladine resting at his throat.
“Ispin always had a way of showing up exactly when he was needed,” Cassian says, his tone warm with memory. “Though I’ll admit, when we met, I didn’t think him the heroic sort. I thought him my rival.”
A few curious glances turn his way, and he clears his throat, a faint, self-conscious smile tugging at his lips. “There was…a certain nobleman in Solanthus we were both rather fond of. I was young, headstrong, and far too certain of myself. I challenged Ispin to a duel over his affections.”
The table stirs with a few amused looks and muffled chuckles. Cassian shakes his head ruefully, eyes dropping to his cup. “It was a tie, if one can call it that. We both managed to tumble off a cliff before either of us could land a proper hit. Broke an arm, a rib or two, and what pride we had left.”
He laughs then, softly but genuinely, glancing toward the fire. “We spent a fortnight recovering together in the same infirmary. By the time we could walk again, the whole matter with our so-called beloved had been forgotten. Ispin thought the whole thing hilarious, of course. Said that if we were that willing to fall for love, we might as well learn to fall for friendship too.”
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Liwen
He had been fine with Ispin's passing but hearing about him again made him sorely miss him. He was boisterous and struck by wanderlust, but Liwen always counted on him as his words filled his heart.
"I met Ispen Greenshield in a not often visited library. I found his mannerisms brusque and irritating but he would continue to chide me about slowly become one of the dusty tomes in the library. I turned up my nose and went on searching for a particular almanac only for the librarian to reveal that Ispen had the almanac. I had to swallow my pride and asked him for the almanac only for him to laugh in that resounding laugh he is known for. Ispen told me I could have the book only if I bested him in a contest of skill. It took some intense negotiation to give me even a sliver of a chance in this contest." he stops for a moment as he started smiling "All the contests were silly and one of them ended up with us slipping around a pig's pen to see who can better choose the heaviest pig. It made me realize there is more to the world than books and magic." A little quieter. "To Ispen. Know that you are missed and loved"
Becklin tapped her stein against the bar
I met him when he had retired from adventuring, he needed a reason to settle down. I introduced him to my sister and they hit it off . They married a year later. He served as the militias head here in Vogler. His heart broke when Lissa died, and he was never the same.
I have a bequest from him for Cassian. She reached behind the bar and pulled out a greenshield with a tree on it. He said it was given to him by elves and enchanted not to break. Here Cassian it's for you, use it well. She handed the shield over.
Cassian
The paladin gives a look of surprise before taking the shield gratefully. He examines it in the glint of the firelight. "Beautiful craftsmanship. I...Thank you. I will use it well, in honor of Ispen."
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance |
Becklin taps her stein again. Now before we all drink ourselves silly during the wake, tomorrow is a festival here. In the late afternoon there is a reenactment of the battle for Vogler. There are two sides the raiders played by the mercenaries and the town militia. We would like all of you here for the wake to take part on the militias side with Cudgel. If you want a bit of fun you are very welcome! All blades will have leather covers so no-one gets hurt. Let Cudgel here know if you want to take part. She gestures towards the man standing next to her. Now let's drink!
Liwen admires the shield and truly believes it has come to good hands with Cassian "I don't mind spectating the reenactment though I rather not be accidently bruised. Though I whole heartedly believe in getting down to drinking. One for each story Ispen has told us and they were many"
Levna looked at Cassian, he nodded back. Count the two of us in!
She walks over to Cudgel and clasps wrists with him, have you got a plan for the battle?
Cudgel laughs and says You know that all plans don't survive the initial exchange of blows! We'll be fighting cavalry, the Militia armed with spears and short swords, I'm sure that they will be relieved to have 3 knights fighting with them. Don't worry mage you can toast our success afterwards, we have referees to say when people are out and can return back to the town
Vexi
Vexi raises her mug in a salute to Cudgel, "You know I'm in! Ooh! Can I be a Captain??" her eyes go wide at the thought and she starts jabbing in the air with an imaginary sword.
Vardok
Vardok smiles and the excitement is clear on his face. “Absolutely, that will be a blast! A true battle! I’m definitely in!” He turns as Vexi is expressing some of the same thoughts in his mind. He says “Fine, but I’m not salutin ya. I’ll swat ya in the arse with one of those covered swords, capn! Hah!” Vardok starts jabbing the air with his own imaginary sword in vicious swordplay with his friend.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.