Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures
Frozen Sick
D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Basic Rules (2014)
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Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer CreaturesFrozen SickD&D Beyond Basic RulesBasic Rules (2014)Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
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"A tiefling..." Beetle mutters under us breath so maybe only Serak can hear. These creatures are known for mischief and trouble where Beetle is from. Under any other circumstances he would normal be quite hostile to this creature. Beetle looks at Serak, "If you can handle this, and I am sure you can, I will wait outside and keep an eye on the streets..." After receiving a nod of approval from his companion Beetle goes outside and finds a crate next to the shop to sit and scan things.
Never having encountered a Teifling, Syna cocks one eyebrow up as Beetle leaves.
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Beetle:
Taking himself away from wicked creatures shop, Beetle takes a short stroll along the rivers edge, searching for a place to rest his legs. A small wooden bench overlooking the river seems perfect. Ideally placed between the two bridges - Wyvern bridge tall and strong, wings spread wide, and the ruined bridge - which the paladin can now easily make out, was once shaped like a dolphin, leaping over the water below.
The peaceful setting is a welcome change to the chaos of the last few weeks. Beetle closes his eyes, listening to the lapping water below and empties his mind. A thought crashes through his peace, forcing him to snort in disgust. A tiefling! With any luck Serak should see through her schemes.
Serak, Syna, Zyltris:
With Beetles departure, the tiefling woman draws the coins back to her, gently setting them back on the counter. Her demonic appearance is strikingly different from anything Syna has seen before.
Curled horns sprout from the top of her forehead, sitting almost crown like in front of her long black hair. Her face, young and strangely beautiful. Bright yellow cat like eyes set into her deep crimson skin, thin lips hide her pointed white fangs. From her shoulders, a set of small black wings hang to her waist, where a long thin tail protrudes and wraps nervously around her leg.
A look of disappointment flashes over her as the paladin exits the store. She smiles weakly, almost pleading the others to stay. “Welcome.... Welcome to Astaro’s. How can you help me?.... help you....” Her already crimson skin turns a deeper shade. The tiefling maiden grinds her teeth together in frustration, trying in vain to stay positive.
Serak: Nodding knowingly toward Beetle as he exits, Serak smiles pleasantly at the Tiefling. He bows gracefully and says, "Serak The Skald, at your service! It is our pleasure to meet you. We have come into possession of a beautiful glass staff, imbued with awesome magical power. Might you be interested in purchasing it? Also, we've a few scrolls to sell as well."
Serak keeps the scroll of Charm Person for himself and places others down on the counter next to the staff. He watches the Tiefling closely, making sure she doesn't attempt to swindle the party.
Insight: 13
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Serak, Syna, Zyltris:
The tiefling squints slightly at the bard, assessing his intentions. Quietly she clears her throat and puts on her friendliest face, hoping that the look of suspicion doesn’t linger too long, “Truly? You’re here for business?” Her joy is obvious despite her guarded demeanour, “I am Astaro, you’re very welcome to my store Serak. May.... may I see the staff?”
Serak draws the slender staff and places it carefully on the counter. He wipes a fleck of dust away, hoping the tiefling doesn’t notice a slight scuff on the delicate glass. While she is impressed, Astaro has learnt the hard way to be cautious in these situations. Lifting the staff in one hand she gets to grips with its balance, her wings flickering slightly. “Such a pretty thing. Pure glass.... hollow but weighty. Why are you selling? Any spells or effects imbued within it? And these scrolls too?”
Slowly, the tieflings tail unravels from around her leg. Her clenched jaws loosen as she flicks through the scrolls, humming and muttering to herself as she reads their contents. With the prospect of seemingly legitimate business she seems more relaxed.
Serak: Stroking his goatee in thought, Serak says, "Our adventuring party has no use for such a staff. It is only truly useful in the hands of a Wizard. It allows the holder to cast defensive spells and possibly other effects. If you'd like, you may cast an Identification spell upon it to see for yourself. The scrolls are also of no use to us, although... are you able to tell us what the scroll in the bone case does?"
The bard browses the collection of items for sale as the Tiefling works. Finally, he asks, "Also... might you have a wand that can Detect Magic?
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Serak, Syna, Zyltris:
Carefully placing the staff back onto the counter, Astaro reaches into a drawer withdrawing a single of pearl and a long white feather. With a cautious smile she simply says, “Thankyou Serak. I’ve always wanted to do this...” Placing a hand on the white staff, the tieflings voice suddenly changes from fair and gentle to a dark, forboding rumble, “IVYLZUOH.” Astaro closes her eyes as she casts the spell, deep in thought.
”Hmm... alright well that was simple enough. A staff of Defence then, I can use this.” Moving onto the scrolls, she throws a quick glance back to Serak, “Little bit of damage on the shaft though.... now these scrolls. Augury.... Fireball.... and this one....” Gently sliding the parchment out of the boned tube, she reads it to herself, “.... Darkness. One of my personal favourites.... alright Serak I think we can do business here. If you’ll excuse me a moment....”
Astaro disappears momentarily into a back room leaving her customers to browse. She returns holding a long thin oak case, and places it onto the counter. She clears her throat again gently, “So happens I do have what you’re seeking.” A soft creak rings out as she opens the case, revealing a long black metal wand, a small glass bubble set into the tip of the shaft. Inlaid into the wand, a single word, “Estel” surrounded by images of leaves and stars. “This is Estel. She’s a ceremonial wand, once owned by the elves of Neverwinter Wood. Perhaps you’d be interested in a trade?”
Beetle enjoying the quiet starts to think again about how mistrustful Tieflings are. He is sure his companions can handle themselves but he decides to move back close to the shop and wait just outside the door.
Serak: Serak reaches out and retrieves the scroll of Fireball and Darkness, placing them in his scroll case along with the scroll of Charm Person. Leaving the Staff of Defense and Augury scroll on the counter, he laughs, "A trade? Come now, that staff is easily worth more than a dozen wands of Detect Magic. Offer a fair price, my dear, or we will simply find another buyer."
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Now standing in the doorway, Beetle glances inside the magicians shop. The voices inside now clearly audible. “Well.... what uh.... what would you suggest would be fair?” The tieflings soft voice, quivering slightly under the sound of fluttering wings, “See.... These larger items need to go to specialist auctions.... I can trade for the wand and maybe.... a line of credit perhaps? Or a take of the profits? What do you think?”
OOC: So, I guess magic items don't have a set GP value in 5e? I looked up the Staff of Defense and it is very powerful. Shield, Mage Armor and +1 AC. Beetle could actually replace his shield and carry the staff instead. Same AC and he could cast Shield 5 times a day. It would make him the ultimate tank.
Edit: Actually, it would be 1 less AC for you, Beetle, but up to 5 extra castings of Shield every day. Up to you if you want to use it or we can trade it to this Tiefling for a bunch of magic items, wands and potions?
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
OOC: So I would basically dual wield staff and sword. Could be interesting could try it out. Can the mage armor be cast on someone else instead of yourself?
OOC: Mage Armour: You touch a willing creature who isn’t wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spellends.The target’s base AC becomes 13+its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends if the target dons armor or ifyou dismiss the spell as an action.
So, provided you (or your target) doesn’t wear armour you’re able to use it.
The staff has 10 charges, which are used to fuel the spells within it. With the staff in hand, you can use your action to cast one of the following spells from the staff if the spell is on your class's spell list: mage armor (1 charge) or shield (2 charges).
The staff regains 1d6 + 4 expended charges each day at dawn. If you expend the staff's last charge, roll a d20. On a 1, the staff shatters and is destroyed.
OOC: I think you should use it Beetle. Between Shield and Cutting Words, you will never be hit again. Also, as a Warlock you can use the Darkness scroll. Could come in handy.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Serak: Reconsidering the deal as he smooths his pointed moustache, Serak says, " I think we may keep the staff for now. I'd be willing to trade the Augury and Fireball scrolls in exchange for the wand of Detect Magic and your services Identifying the Staff. A fair deal. What say you?"
Persuasion: 5
Insight:11
Reaching into his pack, the bard places the perfume on the table and says, "If that is not enough, perhaps I can sweeten the deal with these three vials of lovely perfume for an equally lovely lady?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Astaro thinks for a second on the bards offer, calculating the value of the deal. His words ARE convincing..... and the hells know she could do with the customers. Clicking her fingers at the half-elf, the tiefling smiles brightly, “.... alright Serak, I accept your offer. Perhaps I mis-valued the wand?” With a quiet flirtatious laugh she slides the thin oaken case along the counter, rolling the two scrolls tightly in her hands before placing them to one side. In a free hand she lifts one of the perfumes to her nose and takes a short sniff of the fragrance. “Ooo that’s pretty. I wouldn’t like to deprive you of these as well.... unless you insist?” Inhaling once more, Astora closes her eyes tightly. The flowery earthy scent rushing over her, “.... but they are truly lovely! Will there be anything else gentlemen?”
Serak: Taking Astaro's hand, Serak bows deeply and says, "I believe that will be all for today my dear, but fear not! I'm quite sure I shall find occasion to visit you again soon. It has been a true pleasure, M'lady." The bard sends a subtle wink at the Tiefling woman as he returns to the street with the others.
Addressing the party, Serak suggests, "Shall we find an Inn for the evening and leave at dawn?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
OOC: There’s a good selection of Inns if you choose to stay:
Serak: Pointing up into sky to the west, Serak says, "I am intrigued by this floating Inn. Who would like to visit the Moonstone Mask, friends?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
"Yes I am also intrigued, we must check it out! Surly it will be a wonder to behold." Beetle replies to Serak.