Lyra tilts her head in curiosity and taps a thoughtful finger to her lips as Elder Samek speaks of being gifted strength by accepting Jaab Razuul's illumination. She had asked of the purpose for the illumination, yet it seems to her that strength in itself is not a purpose, but rather a means towards other ends. Of those ends, the robed giant-kin alludes only to "overcoming failings" and "lighting moons". Self-improvement alone, then? One could hope...
"Wondrous may it ever be, a giant's strength to gain, Yet tyrannous to ever use, as a giant might for pain."
Ever so briefly, imperceptibly to anyone not paying close attention, Lyra's warm brown irises flash to black when she utters the word pain.
"Interesting," she begins, addressing the priests, but her companions are already walking away, so she takes her leave with a respectful nod of her head.
Still lost in her philosophical musings, her eyes nevertheless brighten as she sets foot through the door to the Scaly Saloon. With Fenric, direct as ever, getting straight to the point and inquiring about YugJug and the job posting, Lyra joins Zephyr in turning her attention to the drinks on offer.
"Aye. Something carbonated and chromatic for my fluttering friend, and three tankards of your best ale," (Lyra would vary her order for Fenric and Kromus if she knows their preferences to be different), "for myself and my other two companions who tread on solid land."
She glances around appraisingly and adds. "Finest establishment in Birakruut? I can believe that. Lovely and lively both. Yet livelier still may it be for one evening were you and your patrons to find yourself in need of a... performance?" Lyra plays a quick, upbeat riff on her dark harmonica.
The bartender listens to Fenric, "Aye, you've come to the right place, lad." He turns to a door in the back, presumably the kitchen, and calls out, "YugJug, you've got some folks wanting to speak with you."
To Zephyr he says, "I've got a few sparkling wines. Local option with a pleasant strawberry taste that pairs quite nicely with a chunk of venison. Or if you're of the fancier sort, got some bottles imported from the City of the Emerald Spire."
At Lyra's request he grabs three mugs and promptly sets them down on the bar for her, Komus, and Fenric. He seems pleased with her compliments and after hearing the harmonica says, "Indeed it would be a lively night to have such music. Quite an entrancing tune you've got there. I'll give you a meal and room on the house if you come back tonight and play like that."
[[ Price Notes (taken from PHB) Pitcher of Common Wine (local option): 2sp Bottle of Fine Wine (imported option): 10gp Chunk of Meat: 3sp Mug of Ale: 2cp
Also I'm not a drinker, so that led to me doing a little dive on "what alcohols are fizzy?" Seems overall carbonation/fizziness is more modern. Though some stuff starting in the late 17th century, but also some roots back to Roman days. (Didn't dive too deeply.) ]]
A moment later the door to the kitchen swings open and a middle-aged half-elf with a full beard steps out. "Tymora's blessings and Tyr's justice!" he exclaims as he lays eyes on the party. "Two weeks waiting for a sign of aid, anything, and finally my prayers are answered." He gestures you all to a table in the corner. As you walk over he says to Fenric, "Say, you look like an elf that knows his forests."
Getting down to business he explains, "I was overseeing a shipment of kelpvine liqueur fit for the emperor himself, planning to make a pass through the Citadel and then on to Llyni. We got a day and some down the road when those bandits came a-riding on giant lizards. Fearsome thugs. Overtook the guards in a huff. Pretty soon I realized my best bet was to play dead since they weren't leaving any survivors. I saw their leader run Equinor, grizzled ol' veteran, right through with his spear." He shivers for a moment at the memory, "Anyways they made off with a good thirty barrels of the liqueur. And while I might not be able to get my men's lives back perhaps I can at least get what they died guarding. Not sure how much will be left now, but it's worth a shot. As for payment," he thinks for a moment, "what say you to 7gp each per day while we get a-finding it? And a commission of what's left. I don't have any gold on me right now, hence why I've been working in the kitchen here to pay my way, but there should be another shipment coming through in three to seven days where I can get the money."
Lyra bestows the barkeep with four silver and a smile as payment (and healthy tip) for a bottle of local strawberry sparkling wine and four mugs of ale.
"Tonight, then," she promises the lizardfolk regarding her previously proposed performance, adding a final arpeggio flourish with her dark harmonica.
Hoisting the tankards, she turns just in time to face YugJug, who despite Lyra having spent her adult life in the bustling urban confines of Junut, has perhaps the strangest name for a half-elf (like Lyra herself) that she has ever heard. Though perhaps a nickname, considering the man's line of business?
"Kelpvine liqueur?" Lyra is barely able to suppress her immediate follow-up questions which would surely reveal her ignorance as to whether such a spirit is made from actual undersea kelp or some other source. She supposes she may find out eventually. Instead she ventures:
"These reptile-riding ruffians. Have you any inkling as to which way they went? And why is it, do you suppose, that they were so intent on slaying you all to a man? Surely such rigorously thorough slaughter was not needed for you to hand over the barrels in exchange for your life."
As she speaks, she unobtrusively hands YugJug the extra mug of ale that she had bought (four instead of three, with the wine going to Zephyr).
Lyra bestows the barkeep with four silver and a smile as payment (and healthy tip) for a bottle of local strawberry sparkling wine and four mugs of ale.
Zephyr takes the chair in the corner, flying over the table instead of scooching around it. He thanks Lyra for the drink and sniffs the bright pink wine before he tastes it. "Ooh! I can smell the strawberries!", he exclaims. He takes out his All-Purpose Tool and somehow extends it into a sort of stirring stick of metal or dark glass. He says a few words as he raises the tool out of his cup and gestures with the stirring stick, and you can all (assuming that Komus decides to inhale) smell the scent of freshly-cut strawberries.
Action: transform his All-Purpose Tool into an alchemist's tool, a long metal or glass rod for stirring mixtures.
Then Action: Cast Druidcraft with his All-Purpose Tool to create a "harmless sensory effect": the scent of strawberries fills a 5-ft cube.
Getting down to business he explains, "I was overseeing a shipment of kelpvine liqueur fit for the emperor himself...
While he listens, Zephyr is quiet for a change. He sips his wine and happily bounces in his seat as though dancing to some unheard rhythm. He takes out a some little wooden disks (or tokens) that he was whittling on their journey to Birakruut. As Lyra and YugJug talk, Zephyr occasionally sets one of the wooden tokens in front of him on the table. Once Lyra is done questioning YugJug, Zephyr asks a few clarifying questions if they haven't been answered already, removing one of the wooden disks and putting it back in the pile as he does so.
"These lizard-riding bandits, what sort of people were they? Lizardfolk? Human? Elf? Or a motley crew of all sorts?""
"You said that you were just over a day's journey down the road. Did you mean one day south of Birakruut on the road to the Citadel? Or one day from the Citadel to Llyni?"
"You said 'we'. Do you plan to come with us to find these bandits?" If YugJug does plan to come with the party, Zephyr asks, "Does that mean that we're also responsible for your protection and safe return then?"
[[ Zephyr was just using the tokens to keep track of the number of questions he was waiting to ask. ]]
As Lyra hands the mug he says, "Rusty is a good fellow, giving me fair wages while I bide my time here. But I must admit free beer always tastes better." He watches in fascination as Zephyr flits over the table, his clothes still glowing from Olbruk's light spell.
"Yes, Kelpvine Liqueur, finest in the lands if I say so myself. Fit for the emperor! And that's not just words." he smiles, taking pride in his line of work. Getting more serious to returns to business answering the various questions.
"I saw a little bit of the way they went. As for who they were, lizardfolk. And perhaps if they had been a motley crew of various races we could've just surrendered over the liqueur to them, but as pleasant as the scalies can be once they finally warm up to you, they can also be a rather xenophobic lot otherwise, as I'm sure you've gotten some inklings of. So in that respect it's no surprise they'd want to kill us all, feeling we're 'invading' their territory."
"Day South of Birakruut, hadn't even made it to the citadel yet. And I certainly wasn't about to hobble down further on my lonesome."
"And yes I plan to come with. I can show you the spot where they attacked. Plus it's my duty to see the liqueur is safe and secure to best of my capabilities. And I'd certainly hope for a safe return. Plus you'll want someone that can make a fine meal on the road, eh?"
A speculative look comes over Lyra's face as YugJug speaks of the lizardfolk of the forest being hostile to strangers, yet pleasant once familiar.
"Tymora smiles on you, YugJug of the emperor-worthy Kelpvine. Our quartet includes Fenric here, who I trust to track your assailants and stolen cargo through the forest more than anyone I know. In truth, all of us are passing stealthy. Not big clunking brutes in heavy armor. An ideal ensemble for such an undertaking. My partners may have their own say, but speaking for myself, I Lyra Ravenscale accept your terms, on one condition."
She brings her dark harmonica to her lips once more to play a soothing, gentle chord.
"Before committing to slaying these lizardfolk as they slew your guards, IF the chance should arise, I ask that you grant me leave to speak with them first. I hope not just to recover your precious liqueur with no further bloodshed, but to persuade them to leave future shipments unmolested. Perhaps we may even make allies of them, or if not, at least understand who or what drives them to such hostility. Of course, if battle is inevitable, so be it."
Fenric listened to the conversation, appreciative that Lyraand Zephyrwere so thorough with their questioning. He had never been too interested in drinking or alcohol, but a job was a job and he liked the sound of having a cook for the adventure.
"I'll surely be able to track down the lizardfolk and your missing liqueur," he reassures YugJug.
"And yes I plan to come with. I can show you the spot where they attacked. Plus it's my duty to see the liqueur is safe and secure to best of my capabilities. And I'd certainly hope for a safe return. Plus you'll want someone that can make a fine meal on the road, eh?"
"Oh?", Zephyr isn't sure whether that's a reasonable trade and whether they can even trust YugJug. He says, "Um...sure!", with a glance at Lyra and Fenric. "I guess that's all perfectly normal and OK, right?"
Once everyone has finished asking YugJug questions, Zephyr asks his companions the next obvious question: "So....are we leaving Birakruut today? Or staying here tonight and leaving first thing in the morning?"
"Indeed I do!" says YugJug with gusto to Zephyr's query about the emperor. "Back in Taheath there's even a small dedicated Kelp and Crown fleet to ship directly to the emperor's harbor."
"I have full confidence in your abilities." he smiles to Fenric. And to Zephyr's second question he replies, "I'll need a moment to pack my bags, but if you're down to head out today then so am I."
As Lyra talks about speaking with the lizardfolk bandits and possibly allying them he gruffly retorts, "They killed good men for greed's sake. By all rights they should be executed like the dogs they are! Rather effective way of preventing further raids too." He then calms down slightly. "Ultimately the agreement is for getting the liqueur not their heads. But you'll understand if I have a different point of view."
"Mmmmm," Lyra murmurs thoughtfully at YugJug's harsh reaction to her suggestion of parlay.
"Fear, rage or necessity may yet make monsters of us all. Or dogs to execute, as you say. I only brought up the possibility of persuading them because when I asked why the lizardfolk slaughtered everyone of you that they could, you put it down to xenophobia. Fear of the foreign. You described the 'scalies' as pleasant once they warm up to you. Yet so be it. If these reptilian assailants must die to recover your liqueur, then die they shall."
Nearly imperceptibly once more, Lyra's warm brown irises flash momentarily to black. She uses her Minor Illusion cantrip to chant un-rhymed poetry this time, rather than song, gesturing with her free hand and bringing her dark harmonica to her lips for accompaniment.
"Things fall apart and the center cannot hold, Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. The blood-dimmed tide rises, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned. The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity."
Finishing in a dissonant minor key, she lowers her harmonica and looks around for the barkeep she had spoken to. "I too am ready to depart, though I will need to tell my scaly friend... Rusty, you called him? I must inform Rusty that the performance I promised tonight may have to wait."
YugJug grunts at Lyra's words. Still skeptical, but willing to tolerate the difference of views.
Rusty has a slight disappointment when she mentions she won't be playing tonight but says, "When you return then, eh? Perhaps we'll pour a round of kelpvine liqueur to celebrate?"
As the rest of the party and YugJug prepare to head off Komus approaches saying, "Though this quest is noble, I feel a calling to remain here in Birakruut for a while more. Perhaps to learn what ails the less fortunate in this town and to aid them. But I bless you on your journey."
[[ Giving an in-game reason for Komus' absence. Plus gives him some utility while Stereo's presumed tech issues keep him away as a plot-hook intro to other things.
And if Stereo comes back I'm more than willing to handwave him back into the party by saying that he suddenly felt a great call that you were in need of him and divine guidance to find where the party is. ]]
YugJug gives you more details about the location he was ambushed at. As you head out the sun still shines brightly.
//todo, MAP Distance to ambush location: ~30 miles (day and then some at Normal Pace) Green Dot is approximation of where YugJug got ambushed. Pink Lines are the Road. Reminder: Each hex is 24 miles across. (I know it's different than a typical dnd overland map where they're 6 miles.)
Time: ~1pm (so can still get a full day's trek, getting Travel Pace: tbd, rules link Options: Fast, 30 miles per day and -5 to passive perception; Normal, 24 miles per day; Slow, 18 miles per day, able to use stealth. @All, please vote on your travel pace.
Right now I'm assuming you're using the road. If you go off-road half the travel distance per pace.
Random Encounter Roll: 12 //I typically have multiple options for each number, so will do more rolls on the side off-screen
Time of Encounter (1-2: 1-3pm; 3-4: 3-6pm; 5-6: 6-9pm [dim light]) [[ not exact on conditions with sunrise/sunset, but grouping them into something that's relatively in getting different light conditions so please don't be surprised if the dim light timing changes later ]] Roll: 2
Random Encounter Roll: 12 //I typically have multiple options for each number, so will do more rolls on the side off-screen
Time of Encounter (1-2: 1-3pm; 3-4: 3-6pm; 5-6: 6-9pm [dim light]) [[ not exact on conditions with sunrise/sunset, but grouping them into something that's relatively in getting different light conditions so please don't be surprised if the dim light timing changes later ]] Roll: 2
As you're walking along the road in the early afternoon you come across a curious sight. First from a distance you see that part of the road seems to be submerged in purple-colored bog bubbling as if boiling. "That wasn't there before." YugJug comments on seeing it.
Above the bog floats a lizardfolk in garish clothes. He dances as sounds spring up from all around you. A melodious horn there. Sound of laughter there. At one point a small stool appears next to the garish lizardfolk and he pretends to sit on it, hovering a few inches above the stool itself.
Amongst the trees the party is able to notice a small violet butterfly-like wing sticking out from the leaves and elsewhere a branch rustles, though there's nothing to be seen.
[[ If you're doing a fast pace; Zephyr doesn't see either. ]]
Also, since I forgot to do it in the previous post, YugJug lets you know his relative talents. He's a commoner that also has a sling. (ie: Don't be surprised if he's not the most active/effective in combats.)
[[And if Stereo comes back I'm more than willing to handwave him back into the party]]
[[ Sounds good. If @Stereo comes back soon, Komus will catch up before we even get to the ambush location. Monks are fast! ]]
@All, please vote on your travel pace.
Zephyr doesn't think that there's any big hurry. He reasons: "YugJug said that he had been waiting for help for two weeks. If the bandits didn't already drink the kelpvine liqueur or trade it to someone else, then it shouldn't make much of a difference if we get there a few hours later tomorrow."
Zephyr proposes traveling a Normal pace, but ending after just 6 hours / 18 miles of travel. That way, we would stop around 7 p.m. and can set up camp before it gets too dark.
Right now I'm assuming you're using the road. If you go off-road half the travel distance per pace.
[[ I'm interested to hear what Fenric has to say about that!
@VitusW - Clarification after looking at the map. The ambush location is on the road about 30 miles south of Birakruut, right? The red dot is just where we guess the lizardfolk bandits' lair is? That is, after we go 30 miles south on the road, do we think that we'll still need to go some distance east into the forest to find the lizardfolk? ]]
[[ I'm interested to hear what Fenric has to say about that!
@VitusW - Clarification after looking at the map. The ambush location is on the road about 30 miles south of Birakruut, right? The red dot is just where we guess the lizardfolk bandits' lair is? That is, after we go 30 miles south on the road, do we think that we'll still need to go some distance east into the forest to find the lizardfolk? ]]
1. Totally forgot about that feature of Natural Explorer. Due to Fenric's favored terrain of forest off-road travel would not take longer. And you also have no chance of getting lost.
2. Green dot. (But I know what you meant.) And yeah, a rough estimate of it. So would be able to try some tracking to find signs of where to go and such.
Zephyr doesn't think that there's any big hurry. He reasons: "YugJug said that he had been waiting for help for two weeks. If the bandits didn't already drink the kelpvine liqueur or trade it to someone else, then it shouldn't make much of a difference if we get there a few hours later tomorrow."
Zephyr proposes traveling a Normal pace, but ending after just 6 hours / 18 miles of travel. That way, we would stop around 7 p.m. and can set up camp before it gets too dark.
"I agree with Zephyr. No need to rush ourselves."
Fenric votes for Normal pace. He also elects to stick to the roads for this journey, as there doesn't seem to be much of a reason to cut through the forest.
As you're walking along the road in the early afternoon you come across a curious sight. First from a distance you see that part of the road seems to be submerged in purple-colored bog bubbling as if boiling. "That wasn't there before." YugJug comments on seeing it.
Above the bog floats a lizardfolk in garish clothes. He dances as sounds spring up from all around you. A melodious horn there. Sound of laughter there. At one point a small stool appears next to the garish lizardfolk and he pretends to sit on it, hovering a few inches above the stool itself.
Amongst the trees the party is able to notice a small violet butterfly-like wing sticking out from the leaves and elsewhere a branch rustles, though there's nothing to be seen.
[[ If you're doing a fast pace; Zephyr doesn't see either. ]]
Fenricstops, immediately suspicious of the floating lizardfolk. He stares at the dancer, trying to determine if he's noticed the party. "Can't say I've seen anything like that in my time. Perhaps he'd like to dance to some of your music, Lyra."
As you're walking along the road in the early afternoon you come across a curious sight. First from a distance you see that part of the road seems to be submerged in purple-colored bog bubbling as if boiling. "That wasn't there before." YugJug comments on seeing it.
Above the bog floats a lizardfolk in garish clothes. He dances as sounds spring up from all around you. A melodious horn there. Sound of laughter there. At one point a small stool appears next to the garish lizardfolk and he pretends to sit on it, hovering a few inches above the stool itself.
Amongst the trees the party is able to notice a small violet butterfly-like wing sticking out from the leaves and elsewhere a branch rustles, though there's nothing to be seen.
[[ If you're doing a fast pace; Zephyr doesn't see either. ]]
[[ Assuming a normal pace ]]
Fenricstops, immediately suspicious of the floating lizardfolk. He stares at the dancer, trying to determine if he's noticed the party. "Can't say I've seen anything like that in my time. Perhaps he'd like to dance to some of your music, Lyra."
Zephyr stares, dumbstruck for a moment. Then he flies up off the ground a few feet before he bursts out laughing. Zephyr spends a moment to study the fantastic scene before them as he wipes tears from his eyes: he suspects that it's an illusion. Investigation: 24
Zephyr stares, dumbstruck for a moment. Then he flies up off the ground a few feet before he bursts out laughing. Zephyr spends a moment to study the fantastic scene before them as he wipes tears from his eyes: he suspects that it's an illusion. Investigation: 24
[[ Speculative post, assuming that it is an illusion and that Zephyr's check was sufficient for him to discern it. ]]
Guessing from the nature of the illusion and the flash of a wing that it's some sort of whimsical fey, Zephyr cries out to the hidden spellcaster in Sylvan: (sylvan)"Silly fey! It's very amusing, but if you're going to weave an illusion, you need to make it a little more believable if you want to trick anyone!"Switching back to Common, he tries to point out the illusion to his companions, "See? The shadows aren't quite right for this time of day. And the dancer isn't even touching that stool!" He shakes his head at the slightly shoddy "craftsmanship" of the illusion. Good enough for a prank, but not really believable.
[[ With both Fenric and Zephyr voting for normal pace, will assume that is the final decision. ]]
As Fenric suggests Lyra's music the sound of a violin starts playing behind him and the sound of a harmonica behind Lyra.
[[ For Zephyr, going to assume the investigation is against the dancer. Examining other things to see if they're illusions would be separate checks. ]]
Zephyr looks at the dancer and is able to discern that it is indeed an illusion. As the fairy laughs high-pitched stifled laughs join in from the bushes alongside the road. In response the dancer bends over and exclaims in Sylvan, "My shadow!" before pantomiming despair.
Following that sound appear around Zephyr. Voices echo his words in higher and higher pitches. "Silly fey! Silly fey!Silly fey!" There's even the sound of a loud flatuence, followed by more stifled giggles from the bushes.
(Lyra places her absolute trust in Fenric to choose the appropriate pace through the forest, on path or off.)
Staring bemused at the floating apparition and tumult of images and sounds that accompany it, Lyra slaps her hand to her forehead at Zephyr's deduction of their illusory nature, then beams. Her Mage Hand thumps the artificer on the shoulder in approval as she hears the hidden giggling.
(Aside: Lyra knows Sylvan).
"Trust our fairy to suss out the fey!" Lowering her voice, she then responds to Fenric's suggestion of a performance. "While the riotously colored reptile man ahead might lack the sensory faculties to appreciate art, perhaps those who conjured him might. Let us test the fey waters, shall we?"
She bows deeply, first toward the surreal lizardfolk, then toward the bushes from which the laughter is emanating, producing her dark harmonica with a flourishing gesture and sounding a lively riff upon it as she casts Enhance Ability upon herself (Eagle's Splendor - advantage on CHA checks).
Thinking quickly on what might entrance and amuse an audience of silly fey listeners, Lyra improvises, adding references to the fey and other realms as she goes, bringing her dark harmonica to her lips dramatically as she uses Minor Illusion once more for the sound of her own voice.
"I am Lyra Ravenscale and not soon shall you frolicking fey forget me, because... I... once... knew... a...." (Slow, ascending tones leading to a vibrant jig).
"Dryad, what a health nut! She cooked food in a wok. A wood elf was her boyfriend, and he had a great big Cock-a-doodle-doodle, the rooster's crow at last! But no one eats the hens' eggs, because they all taste like Astral elves are lovely. They're cuddly and sweet. But stay away from Hadozee 'cause they like to beat their Meetin' in the Summer Court and meetin' in the Fall. Oberon needs to see you, so that you can suck his Balzac was a pixie, so tiny, what a runt! Baba Yaga never liked him, but that's 'cause she's a Contaminated water, mortals grow real sick! Their bladder gets infected, and blood comes out their Dictate what I'm crooning, 'cause it shall bring you luck, And if you all don't like it, I don't give a flyin'..."
With a flamboyant finishing chord instead of the obvious unspoken final word, Lyra concludes her performance with a huge grin and another deep bow.
Fenricnoticed the inconsistencies in the illusion once Zephyrhad pointed them out, and he relaxed a little at the revelation. He gave a brief round of applause at the end of Lyra'ssong, impressed by how quickly she had come up with the lyrics. Though he had heard about fey, Fenrichad only ever encountered one: a drunken satyr who had stumbled upon the druid grove. It was not a very fond memory of his (the pungent stench of the satyr's vomit still haunted him at times), and he dreaded the thought of this fey taking up even half as much time as it took to deal with the satyr.
Lyra tilts her head in curiosity and taps a thoughtful finger to her lips as Elder Samek speaks of being gifted strength by accepting Jaab Razuul's illumination. She had asked of the purpose for the illumination, yet it seems to her that strength in itself is not a purpose, but rather a means towards other ends. Of those ends, the robed giant-kin alludes only to "overcoming failings" and "lighting moons". Self-improvement alone, then? One could hope...
"Wondrous may it ever be, a giant's strength to gain,
Yet tyrannous to ever use, as a giant might for pain."
Ever so briefly, imperceptibly to anyone not paying close attention, Lyra's warm brown irises flash to black when she utters the word pain.
"Interesting," she begins, addressing the priests, but her companions are already walking away, so she takes her leave with a respectful nod of her head.
Still lost in her philosophical musings, her eyes nevertheless brighten as she sets foot through the door to the Scaly Saloon. With Fenric, direct as ever, getting straight to the point and inquiring about YugJug and the job posting, Lyra joins Zephyr in turning her attention to the drinks on offer.
"Aye. Something carbonated and chromatic for my fluttering friend, and three tankards of your best ale," (Lyra would vary her order for Fenric and Kromus if she knows their preferences to be different), "for myself and my other two companions who tread on solid land."
She glances around appraisingly and adds. "Finest establishment in Birakruut? I can believe that. Lovely and lively both. Yet livelier still may it be for one evening were you and your patrons to find yourself in need of a... performance?" Lyra plays a quick, upbeat riff on her dark harmonica.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
The bartender listens to Fenric, "Aye, you've come to the right place, lad." He turns to a door in the back, presumably the kitchen, and calls out, "YugJug, you've got some folks wanting to speak with you."
To Zephyr he says, "I've got a few sparkling wines. Local option with a pleasant strawberry taste that pairs quite nicely with a chunk of venison. Or if you're of the fancier sort, got some bottles imported from the City of the Emerald Spire."
At Lyra's request he grabs three mugs and promptly sets them down on the bar for her, Komus, and Fenric. He seems pleased with her compliments and after hearing the harmonica says, "Indeed it would be a lively night to have such music. Quite an entrancing tune you've got there. I'll give you a meal and room on the house if you come back tonight and play like that."
[[
Price Notes (taken from PHB)
Pitcher of Common Wine (local option): 2sp
Bottle of Fine Wine (imported option): 10gp
Chunk of Meat: 3sp
Mug of Ale: 2cp
Also I'm not a drinker, so that led to me doing a little dive on "what alcohols are fizzy?" Seems overall carbonation/fizziness is more modern. Though some stuff starting in the late 17th century, but also some roots back to Roman days. (Didn't dive too deeply.)
]]
A moment later the door to the kitchen swings open and a middle-aged half-elf with a full beard steps out. "Tymora's blessings and Tyr's justice!" he exclaims as he lays eyes on the party. "Two weeks waiting for a sign of aid, anything, and finally my prayers are answered." He gestures you all to a table in the corner. As you walk over he says to Fenric, "Say, you look like an elf that knows his forests."
Getting down to business he explains, "I was overseeing a shipment of kelpvine liqueur fit for the emperor himself, planning to make a pass through the Citadel and then on to Llyni. We got a day and some down the road when those bandits came a-riding on giant lizards. Fearsome thugs. Overtook the guards in a huff. Pretty soon I realized my best bet was to play dead since they weren't leaving any survivors. I saw their leader run Equinor, grizzled ol' veteran, right through with his spear." He shivers for a moment at the memory, "Anyways they made off with a good thirty barrels of the liqueur. And while I might not be able to get my men's lives back perhaps I can at least get what they died guarding. Not sure how much will be left now, but it's worth a shot. As for payment," he thinks for a moment, "what say you to 7gp each per day while we get a-finding it? And a commission of what's left. I don't have any gold on me right now, hence why I've been working in the kitchen here to pay my way, but there should be another shipment coming through in three to seven days where I can get the money."
[[ Made a minor edit of trident -> spear. ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Lyra bestows the barkeep with four silver and a smile as payment (and healthy tip) for a bottle of local strawberry sparkling wine and four mugs of ale.
"Tonight, then," she promises the lizardfolk regarding her previously proposed performance, adding a final arpeggio flourish with her dark harmonica.
Hoisting the tankards, she turns just in time to face YugJug, who despite Lyra having spent her adult life in the bustling urban confines of Junut, has perhaps the strangest name for a half-elf (like Lyra herself) that she has ever heard. Though perhaps a nickname, considering the man's line of business?
"Kelpvine liqueur?" Lyra is barely able to suppress her immediate follow-up questions which would surely reveal her ignorance as to whether such a spirit is made from actual undersea kelp or some other source. She supposes she may find out eventually. Instead she ventures:
"These reptile-riding ruffians. Have you any inkling as to which way they went? And why is it, do you suppose, that they were so intent on slaying you all to a man? Surely such rigorously thorough slaughter was not needed for you to hand over the barrels in exchange for your life."
As she speaks, she unobtrusively hands YugJug the extra mug of ale that she had bought (four instead of three, with the wine going to Zephyr).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Zephyr takes the chair in the corner, flying over the table instead of scooching around it. He thanks Lyra for the drink and sniffs the bright pink wine before he tastes it. "Ooh! I can smell the strawberries!", he exclaims. He takes out his All-Purpose Tool and somehow extends it into a sort of stirring stick of metal or dark glass. He says a few words as he raises the tool out of his cup and gestures with the stirring stick, and you can all (assuming that Komus decides to inhale) smell the scent of freshly-cut strawberries.
Action: transform his All-Purpose Tool into an alchemist's tool, a long metal or glass rod for stirring mixtures.
Then
Action: Cast Druidcraft with his All-Purpose Tool to create a "harmless sensory effect": the scent of strawberries fills a 5-ft cube.
While he listens, Zephyr is quiet for a change. He sips his wine and happily bounces in his seat as though dancing to some unheard rhythm. He takes out a some little wooden disks (or tokens) that he was whittling on their journey to Birakruut. As Lyra and YugJug talk, Zephyr occasionally sets one of the wooden tokens in front of him on the table. Once Lyra is done questioning YugJug, Zephyr asks a few clarifying questions if they haven't been answered already, removing one of the wooden disks and putting it back in the pile as he does so.
If YugJug does plan to come with the party, Zephyr asks, "Does that mean that we're also responsible for your protection and safe return then?"
[[ Zephyr was just using the tokens to keep track of the number of questions he was waiting to ask. ]]
As Lyra hands the mug he says, "Rusty is a good fellow, giving me fair wages while I bide my time here. But I must admit free beer always tastes better." He watches in fascination as Zephyr flits over the table, his clothes still glowing from Olbruk's light spell.
"Yes, Kelpvine Liqueur, finest in the lands if I say so myself. Fit for the emperor! And that's not just words." he smiles, taking pride in his line of work. Getting more serious to returns to business answering the various questions.
"I saw a little bit of the way they went. As for who they were, lizardfolk. And perhaps if they had been a motley crew of various races we could've just surrendered over the liqueur to them, but as pleasant as the scalies can be once they finally warm up to you, they can also be a rather xenophobic lot otherwise, as I'm sure you've gotten some inklings of. So in that respect it's no surprise they'd want to kill us all, feeling we're 'invading' their territory."
"Day South of Birakruut, hadn't even made it to the citadel yet. And I certainly wasn't about to hobble down further on my lonesome."
"And yes I plan to come with. I can show you the spot where they attacked. Plus it's my duty to see the liqueur is safe and secure to best of my capabilities. And I'd certainly hope for a safe return. Plus you'll want someone that can make a fine meal on the road, eh?"
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
A speculative look comes over Lyra's face as YugJug speaks of the lizardfolk of the forest being hostile to strangers, yet pleasant once familiar.
"Tymora smiles on you, YugJug of the emperor-worthy Kelpvine. Our quartet includes Fenric here, who I trust to track your assailants and stolen cargo through the forest more than anyone I know. In truth, all of us are passing stealthy. Not big clunking brutes in heavy armor. An ideal ensemble for such an undertaking. My partners may have their own say, but speaking for myself, I Lyra Ravenscale accept your terms, on one condition."
She brings her dark harmonica to her lips once more to play a soothing, gentle chord.
"Before committing to slaying these lizardfolk as they slew your guards, IF the chance should arise, I ask that you grant me leave to speak with them first. I hope not just to recover your precious liqueur with no further bloodshed, but to persuade them to leave future shipments unmolested. Perhaps we may even make allies of them, or if not, at least understand who or what drives them to such hostility. Of course, if battle is inevitable, so be it."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Fenric listened to the conversation, appreciative that Lyra and Zephyr were so thorough with their questioning. He had never been too interested in drinking or alcohol, but a job was a job and he liked the sound of having a cook for the adventure.
"I'll surely be able to track down the lizardfolk and your missing liqueur," he reassures YugJug.
Zephyr interjects: "And when you say 'the emperor,' you mean....Emperor....?"
"Oh?", Zephyr isn't sure whether that's a reasonable trade and whether they can even trust YugJug. He says, "Um...sure!", with a glance at Lyra and Fenric. "I guess that's all perfectly normal and OK, right?"
Once everyone has finished asking YugJug questions, Zephyr asks his companions the next obvious question: "So....are we leaving Birakruut today? Or staying here tonight and leaving first thing in the morning?"
"Indeed I do!" says YugJug with gusto to Zephyr's query about the emperor. "Back in Taheath there's even a small dedicated Kelp and Crown fleet to ship directly to the emperor's harbor."
"I have full confidence in your abilities." he smiles to Fenric. And to Zephyr's second question he replies, "I'll need a moment to pack my bags, but if you're down to head out today then so am I."
As Lyra talks about speaking with the lizardfolk bandits and possibly allying them he gruffly retorts, "They killed good men for greed's sake. By all rights they should be executed like the dogs they are! Rather effective way of preventing further raids too." He then calms down slightly. "Ultimately the agreement is for getting the liqueur not their heads. But you'll understand if I have a different point of view."
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
"Mmmmm," Lyra murmurs thoughtfully at YugJug's harsh reaction to her suggestion of parlay.
"Fear, rage or necessity may yet make monsters of us all. Or dogs to execute, as you say. I only brought up the possibility of persuading them because when I asked why the lizardfolk slaughtered everyone of you that they could, you put it down to xenophobia. Fear of the foreign. You described the 'scalies' as pleasant once they warm up to you. Yet so be it. If these reptilian assailants must die to recover your liqueur, then die they shall."
Nearly imperceptibly once more, Lyra's warm brown irises flash momentarily to black. She uses her Minor Illusion cantrip to chant un-rhymed poetry this time, rather than song, gesturing with her free hand and bringing her dark harmonica to her lips for accompaniment.
"Things fall apart and the center cannot hold,
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.
The blood-dimmed tide rises, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned.
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity."
Finishing in a dissonant minor key, she lowers her harmonica and looks around for the barkeep she had spoken to. "I too am ready to depart, though I will need to tell my scaly friend... Rusty, you called him? I must inform Rusty that the performance I promised tonight may have to wait."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
YugJug grunts at Lyra's words. Still skeptical, but willing to tolerate the difference of views.
Rusty has a slight disappointment when she mentions she won't be playing tonight but says, "When you return then, eh? Perhaps we'll pour a round of kelpvine liqueur to celebrate?"
As the rest of the party and YugJug prepare to head off Komus approaches saying, "Though this quest is noble, I feel a calling to remain here in Birakruut for a while more. Perhaps to learn what ails the less fortunate in this town and to aid them. But I bless you on your journey."
[[
Giving an in-game reason for Komus' absence. Plus gives him some utility while Stereo's presumed tech issues keep him away as a plot-hook intro to other things.
And if Stereo comes back I'm more than willing to handwave him back into the party by saying that he suddenly felt a great call that you were in need of him and divine guidance to find where the party is.
]]
YugJug gives you more details about the location he was ambushed at. As you head out the sun still shines brightly.
//todo, MAP
Distance to ambush location: ~30 miles (day and then some at Normal Pace)
Green Dot is approximation of where YugJug got ambushed.
Pink Lines are the Road.
Reminder: Each hex is 24 miles across. (I know it's different than a typical dnd overland map where they're 6 miles.)
Time: ~1pm (so can still get a full day's trek, getting
Travel Pace: tbd, rules link
Options: Fast, 30 miles per day and -5 to passive perception; Normal, 24 miles per day; Slow, 18 miles per day, able to use stealth.
@All, please vote on your travel pace.
Right now I'm assuming you're using the road. If you go off-road half the travel distance per pace.
Random Encounter Roll: 12
//I typically have multiple options for each number, so will do more rolls on the side off-screen
Time of Encounter (1-2: 1-3pm; 3-4: 3-6pm; 5-6: 6-9pm [dim light]) [[ not exact on conditions with sunrise/sunset, but grouping them into something that's relatively in getting different light conditions so please don't be surprised if the dim light timing changes later ]]
Roll: 2
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
As you're walking along the road in the early afternoon you come across a curious sight. First from a distance you see that part of the road seems to be submerged in purple-colored bog bubbling as if boiling. "That wasn't there before." YugJug comments on seeing it.
Above the bog floats a lizardfolk in garish clothes. He dances as sounds spring up from all around you. A melodious horn there. Sound of laughter there. At one point a small stool appears next to the garish lizardfolk and he pretends to sit on it, hovering a few inches above the stool itself.
Amongst the trees the party is able to notice a small violet butterfly-like wing sticking out from the leaves and elsewhere a branch rustles, though there's nothing to be seen.
[[ If you're doing a fast pace; Zephyr doesn't see either. ]]
Also, since I forgot to do it in the previous post, YugJug lets you know his relative talents. He's a commoner that also has a sling. (ie: Don't be surprised if he's not the most active/effective in combats.)
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
[[ Sounds good. If @Stereo comes back soon, Komus will catch up before we even get to the ambush location. Monks are fast! ]]
Zephyr doesn't think that there's any big hurry. He reasons: "YugJug said that he had been waiting for help for two weeks. If the bandits didn't already drink the kelpvine liqueur or trade it to someone else, then it shouldn't make much of a difference if we get there a few hours later tomorrow."
Zephyr proposes traveling a Normal pace, but ending after just 6 hours / 18 miles of travel.
That way, we would stop around 7 p.m. and can set up camp before it gets too dark.
[[
I'm interested to hear what Fenric has to say about that!
@VitusW - Clarification after looking at the map. The ambush location is on the road about 30 miles south of Birakruut, right? The red dot is just where we guess the lizardfolk bandits' lair is? That is, after we go 30 miles south on the road, do we think that we'll still need to go some distance east into the forest to find the lizardfolk?
]]
1. Totally forgot about that feature of Natural Explorer. Due to Fenric's favored terrain of forest off-road travel would not take longer. And you also have no chance of getting lost.
2. Green dot. (But I know what you meant.) And yeah, a rough estimate of it. So would be able to try some tracking to find signs of where to go and such.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
"I agree with Zephyr. No need to rush ourselves."
Fenric votes for Normal pace. He also elects to stick to the roads for this journey, as there doesn't seem to be much of a reason to cut through the forest.
Fenric stops, immediately suspicious of the floating lizardfolk. He stares at the dancer, trying to determine if he's noticed the party. "Can't say I've seen anything like that in my time. Perhaps he'd like to dance to some of your music, Lyra."
[[ Assuming a normal pace ]]
Zephyr stares, dumbstruck for a moment. Then he flies up off the ground a few feet before he bursts out laughing. Zephyr spends a moment to study the fantastic scene before them as he wipes tears from his eyes: he suspects that it's an illusion. Investigation: 24
[[ Speculative post, assuming that it is an illusion and that Zephyr's check was sufficient for him to discern it. ]]
Guessing from the nature of the illusion and the flash of a wing that it's some sort of whimsical fey, Zephyr cries out to the hidden spellcaster in Sylvan: (sylvan) "Silly fey! It's very amusing, but if you're going to weave an illusion, you need to make it a little more believable if you want to trick anyone!" Switching back to Common, he tries to point out the illusion to his companions, "See? The shadows aren't quite right for this time of day. And the dancer isn't even touching that stool!" He shakes his head at the slightly shoddy "craftsmanship" of the illusion. Good enough for a prank, but not really believable.
[[ With both Fenric and Zephyr voting for normal pace, will assume that is the final decision. ]]
As Fenric suggests Lyra's music the sound of a violin starts playing behind him and the sound of a harmonica behind Lyra.
[[ For Zephyr, going to assume the investigation is against the dancer. Examining other things to see if they're illusions would be separate checks. ]]
Zephyr looks at the dancer and is able to discern that it is indeed an illusion. As the fairy laughs high-pitched stifled laughs join in from the bushes alongside the road. In response the dancer bends over and exclaims in Sylvan, "My shadow!" before pantomiming despair.
Following that sound appear around Zephyr. Voices echo his words in higher and higher pitches. "Silly fey! Silly fey! Silly fey!" There's even the sound of a loud flatuence, followed by more stifled giggles from the bushes.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo Malololomologalo Tumagalokumagalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion
Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
(Lyra places her absolute trust in Fenric to choose the appropriate pace through the forest, on path or off.)
Staring bemused at the floating apparition and tumult of images and sounds that accompany it, Lyra slaps her hand to her forehead at Zephyr's deduction of their illusory nature, then beams. Her Mage Hand thumps the artificer on the shoulder in approval as she hears the hidden giggling.
(Aside: Lyra knows Sylvan).
"Trust our fairy to suss out the fey!" Lowering her voice, she then responds to Fenric's suggestion of a performance. "While the riotously colored reptile man ahead might lack the sensory faculties to appreciate art, perhaps those who conjured him might. Let us test the fey waters, shall we?"
She bows deeply, first toward the surreal lizardfolk, then toward the bushes from which the laughter is emanating, producing her dark harmonica with a flourishing gesture and sounding a lively riff upon it as she casts Enhance Ability upon herself (Eagle's Splendor - advantage on CHA checks).
Thinking quickly on what might entrance and amuse an audience of silly fey listeners, Lyra improvises, adding references to the fey and other realms as she goes, bringing her dark harmonica to her lips dramatically as she uses Minor Illusion once more for the sound of her own voice.
"I am Lyra Ravenscale and not soon shall you frolicking fey forget me, because... I... once... knew... a...." (Slow, ascending tones leading to a vibrant jig).
"Dryad, what a health nut! She cooked food in a wok.
A wood elf was her boyfriend, and he had a great big
Cock-a-doodle-doodle, the rooster's crow at last!
But no one eats the hens' eggs, because they all taste like
Astral elves are lovely. They're cuddly and sweet.
But stay away from Hadozee 'cause they like to beat their
Meetin' in the Summer Court and meetin' in the Fall.
Oberon needs to see you, so that you can suck his
Balzac was a pixie, so tiny, what a runt!
Baba Yaga never liked him, but that's 'cause she's a
Contaminated water, mortals grow real sick!
Their bladder gets infected, and blood comes out their
Dictate what I'm crooning, 'cause it shall bring you luck,
And if you all don't like it, I don't give a flyin'..."
With a flamboyant finishing chord instead of the obvious unspoken final word, Lyra concludes her performance with a huge grin and another deep bow.
Lyra's Performance at advantage due to Enhance Ability and Eagle's Splendor: 18
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Fenric noticed the inconsistencies in the illusion once Zephyr had pointed them out, and he relaxed a little at the revelation. He gave a brief round of applause at the end of Lyra's song, impressed by how quickly she had come up with the lyrics. Though he had heard about fey, Fenric had only ever encountered one: a drunken satyr who had stumbled upon the druid grove. It was not a very fond memory of his (the pungent stench of the satyr's vomit still haunted him at times), and he dreaded the thought of this fey taking up even half as much time as it took to deal with the satyr.
(Fenric also knows sylvan)