OOC > For those of you not versed in the holidays... Simril is the Winter Solstice, on Nightal 20 (i.e. December 20). Wintershield is New Year's Day, on Hammer 1 (i.e. January 1). We are likely to encounter both in this adventure. From the Dragon Heist materials:
Nightal 20: Simril When dusk comes on this day, folk go outside to locate particular stars that were lucky for their ancestors, or that were associated with their own births. They then attempt to stay up through the night, celebrating outside with bonfires, song, and warmed drinks. Cloudy nights often draw larger crowds than clear ones, since glimpsing your star through the haze is thought to be a blessing from Tymora. Inside buildings, service folk keep roaring fires and engage in making food to keep celebrants fed throughout the long night and into morning of the next day. If you have no particular star of your own, you’ll find many vendors of star maps willing to divine which is yours — based upon your place and date of birth — and to point you in the right direction for a shard or two.
Hammer 1: Wintershield Marking the start of the new year, this observance is a widely recognized day off work, when folk sip warmed ciders and broths (often laced with herbs for health and to bring on visions) and stay inside. They tell tales of what interested them or was important in the year just done, and discuss what they intend to do or should deal with — or things that everyone “should keep a hawk’s clear eye on” — in the year ahead. Such talk inevitably leads to discussions of politics, wars, and the intentions of rulers. Maps are usually consulted, and it’s widely considered lucky to possess and examine a map on Wintershield. Map sales are brisk in the tenday preceding this holiday.
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
OoC - Howldown might also be worth noting, since thats only a couple days away
Nightal 11: Howldown
In honor of Malar, members of the City Guard leave the city in groups on this day to hunt down known threats to farmers and travelers, including brigands, wolves, owlbears, ogres, and trolls that haunt the roads and wilderness. These hunts typically last no longer than a tenday. During the same span of time, the City Watch engages in its own rigorous hunt for malefactors within the city walls. If you’ve any reason to doubt your standing in the eyes of the law, avoid Waterdeep for at least a tenday after Howldown.
With no real hunting to do of their own, the children of Waterdeep spend Howldown engaging in mock hunts of adults dressed up as monsters, and play at the killing of these predators.
Drusk considers every day enough reason to hold a celebration. He ignores all holidays, and generally doesn't pay attention to the date.
Also pitching in 2 GP for the food and drink Jorin is ordering.
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Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Heh. Not much (but nobody knows much about the Xanathar). You know what most people know about the Zhentarim (so I'm including everyone). The Black Network exists all up and down the Sword Coast, if not further. They skirt the law, and aren't shy of breaking it, but don't often go in for murder or assassination. They are more interested in gaining power and influence. And you have no idea why someone would want to destroy the Fiddly Pig.
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"Not that I've heard, Hildi. It's just this new group of Zhents and the Xanathar. Though the Doom Raiders 'r gettin' pulled in. The Xanathar's goons don't see much diff'rence tween us, I guess. With Howldown coming up, it's just safer to split, I'm thinkin'."
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The food and drink arrive. It's not great fare, as this place has a corner on the market out here. They've a few big burly bouncers, and you suspect they not only keep the customers in line, but perhaps the competition away, too.
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The table drumming stops and Jorin's eyes light up. If the rest of the group hadn't just been with him, at a feast no less, they'd think he'd never eaten before as he seems to savor every bite and gulp. At the mention of Howldown, he pauses his munching to say, "Oh Howldown is coming up isn't it? Last year, I dressed as a dire wolf for the little ones to chase around." He laughs and lifts the side of his shirt up, exposing a small, round scar, "One of them actually stabbed me with a sharpened stick. I gave the child a gold piece, an accurate strike should never go unrewarded."
Pascal is visibly disappointed at the subpar food brought before them. That being said, he takes a bit of everything, tastes it, and seasons accordingly. He will make this food good!
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DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Semmy brightens up at the arrival of food. At some point he puts two and two together, and his jaw drops. "Wait a bit, Hildi! You took a room at the Pig place didn't you?" He pauses to chew for a bit. "I guess you'll be boarding back in with yer fam then. Tough's the luck. I'd never go home, not that they'd have me. Maybe your old landlord Pumpelmousse would front you a room at the Yawning Portal!"
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ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Pascal waves his hand in between mouthfuls, “Nah, nah. There’ll be none of that. I’m gonna pay for the rooms tonight. Least I can do for the hospitality my friends here have offered and for helping out ma cherie.”
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DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Drusk ponders. Why name a tavern after the carotid artery? (portal = organ opening for major blood vessels, "yawning" suggests the jaw and neck)
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Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim also digs in once the food arrives, his curiosity put on hold for the time being. At Jorin's story about Howldown, the halfling makes a slight face and raises one shoulder in a shrug. Then, he attempts to swallow his large mouthful after Semmy's assumption, but when Pascal speaks up, Hildigrim smiles gratefully at the lizardfolk. He finally swallows and first addresses Semmy, "Pumpeloaf," he corrects. He takes a quick sip of his drink and continues. "It would be OK to go home, but I'd rather not. I'm not quite ready to regale my parents and siblings with tales of my adventures quite yet. But, as for the Yawning Portal," the rogue says reluctantly, "it might be best for me to steer clear of there." In response to the questioning looks he receives from his companions, he explains: "Durnan wasn't very happy with me the last time I visited. I ... almost knocked someone into the well." Hildigrim shrugs. "Point of fact, it was Durnan himself. They really should build a higher wall around that thing. It's a hazard."
OOC > LOL, DDP. Making my job harder, eh? It's okay, I'm up for the challenge.
Semmy snorts. He seems to have gotten pretty comfortable among you. Like one o' the guys! "Think much o' yerself, Hildi? Durnan's been round for a couple hunnert years, he's not like to remember a halfling what he tripped over once. I mean, yer name's not on the board is it? He'll take yer dragons like any innkeep, I guess."
He finishes his drink and looks slyly at Hildi. "Sides, I know o' sumthin you'd be wantin' to see there at the Portal... got to do with books... but well, my feet'r tired from all the walkin' I'm 'bout to do to Amphail. Could do with a good rest in a nice bed" He rubs a foot like he just walked five leagues.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
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Jorin barely remember's last year's Simril...
OOC > For those of you not versed in the holidays... Simril is the Winter Solstice, on Nightal 20 (i.e. December 20). Wintershield is New Year's Day, on Hammer 1 (i.e. January 1). We are likely to encounter both in this adventure. From the Dragon Heist materials:
Nightal 20: Simril
When dusk comes on this day, folk go outside to locate particular stars that were lucky for their ancestors, or that were associated with their own births. They then attempt to stay up through the night, celebrating outside with bonfires, song, and warmed drinks. Cloudy nights often draw larger crowds than clear ones, since glimpsing your star through the haze is thought to be a blessing from Tymora. Inside buildings, service folk keep roaring fires and engage in making food to keep celebrants fed throughout the long night and into morning of the next day. If you have no particular star of your own, you’ll find many vendors of star maps willing to divine which is yours — based upon your place and date of birth — and to point you in the right direction for a shard or two.
Hammer 1: Wintershield
Marking the start of the new year, this observance is a widely recognized day off work, when folk sip warmed ciders and broths (often laced with herbs for health and to bring on visions) and stay inside. They tell tales of what interested them or was important in the year just done, and discuss what they intend to do or should deal with — or things that everyone “should keep a hawk’s clear eye on” — in the year ahead. Such talk inevitably leads to discussions of politics, wars, and the intentions of rulers. Maps are usually consulted, and it’s widely considered lucky to possess and examine a map on Wintershield. Map sales are brisk in the tenday preceding this holiday.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
OoC - Howldown might also be worth noting, since thats only a couple days away
Nightal 11: Howldown
In honor of Malar, members of the City Guard leave the city in groups on this day to hunt down known threats to farmers and travelers, including brigands, wolves, owlbears, ogres, and trolls that haunt the roads and wilderness. These hunts typically last no longer than a tenday. During the same span of time, the City Watch engages in its own rigorous hunt for malefactors within the city walls. If you’ve any reason to doubt your standing in the eyes of the law, avoid Waterdeep for at least a tenday after Howldown.
With no real hunting to do of their own, the children of Waterdeep spend Howldown engaging in mock hunts of adults dressed up as monsters, and play at the killing of these predators.
OOC > You're right, I missed that one. That'll be fun. More reason for Semmy to be leaving town.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Drusk considers every day enough reason to hold a celebration. He ignores all holidays, and generally doesn't pay attention to the date.
Also pitching in 2 GP for the food and drink Jorin is ordering.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim breathes a sigh of relief at hearing the Pumpeloaf family is safe.
OOC: Now, on to some rolls!
What does Hildigrim know about Xanathar, INT: 6 (history or arcana +2)
For good measure, what does Hildigrim know about the Zhentarim, INT: 3 (history or arcana +2)
And ... does Hildigrim have any idea why someone would have blown up the Fiddly Pig ... Insight?: 20 (intelligence -1)
Heh. Not much (but nobody knows much about the Xanathar). You know what most people know about the Zhentarim (so I'm including everyone). The Black Network exists all up and down the Sword Coast, if not further. They skirt the law, and aren't shy of breaking it, but don't often go in for murder or assassination. They are more interested in gaining power and influence. And you have no idea why someone would want to destroy the Fiddly Pig.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Hildigrim scowls at his old acquaintance. "What else can you tell us about this turf war, Semmy? Are any other organizations or guilds involved?"
Jorin drums his fingers on the table while looking around wondering where the food and drink are.
"Not that I've heard, Hildi. It's just this new group of Zhents and the Xanathar. Though the Doom Raiders 'r gettin' pulled in. The Xanathar's goons don't see much diff'rence tween us, I guess. With Howldown coming up, it's just safer to split, I'm thinkin'."
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
OOC > LOL.
The food and drink arrive. It's not great fare, as this place has a corner on the market out here. They've a few big burly bouncers, and you suspect they not only keep the customers in line, but perhaps the competition away, too.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The table drumming stops and Jorin's eyes light up. If the rest of the group hadn't just been with him, at a feast no less, they'd think he'd never eaten before as he seems to savor every bite and gulp. At the mention of Howldown, he pauses his munching to say, "Oh Howldown is coming up isn't it? Last year, I dressed as a dire wolf for the little ones to chase around." He laughs and lifts the side of his shirt up, exposing a small, round scar, "One of them actually stabbed me with a sharpened stick. I gave the child a gold piece, an accurate strike should never go unrewarded."
Pascal is visibly disappointed at the subpar food brought before them. That being said, he takes a bit of everything, tastes it, and seasons accordingly. He will make this food good!
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Jorin curiously glances at Pascal's seasoning...
Semmy brightens up at the arrival of food. At some point he puts two and two together, and his jaw drops. "Wait a bit, Hildi! You took a room at the Pig place didn't you?" He pauses to chew for a bit. "I guess you'll be boarding back in with yer fam then. Tough's the luck. I'd never go home, not that they'd have me. Maybe your old landlord Pumpelmousse would front you a room at the Yawning Portal!"
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Pascal waves his hand in between mouthfuls, “Nah, nah. There’ll be none of that. I’m gonna pay for the rooms tonight. Least I can do for the hospitality my friends here have offered and for helping out ma cherie.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Drusk ponders. Why name a tavern after the carotid artery? (portal = organ opening for major blood vessels, "yawning" suggests the jaw and neck)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
OOC: Now you're thinking like Hildigrim, Drusk.
Hildigrim also digs in once the food arrives, his curiosity put on hold for the time being. At Jorin's story about Howldown, the halfling makes a slight face and raises one shoulder in a shrug. Then, he attempts to swallow his large mouthful after Semmy's assumption, but when Pascal speaks up, Hildigrim smiles gratefully at the lizardfolk. He finally swallows and first addresses Semmy, "Pumpeloaf," he corrects. He takes a quick sip of his drink and continues. "It would be OK to go home, but I'd rather not. I'm not quite ready to regale my parents and siblings with tales of my adventures quite yet. But, as for the Yawning Portal," the rogue says reluctantly, "it might be best for me to steer clear of there." In response to the questioning looks he receives from his companions, he explains: "Durnan wasn't very happy with me the last time I visited. I ... almost knocked someone into the well." Hildigrim shrugs. "Point of fact, it was Durnan himself. They really should build a higher wall around that thing. It's a hazard."
Pascal slowly chews, and you get the sense that he won’t take no for an answer.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
OOC > LOL, DDP. Making my job harder, eh? It's okay, I'm up for the challenge.
Semmy snorts. He seems to have gotten pretty comfortable among you. Like one o' the guys! "Think much o' yerself, Hildi? Durnan's been round for a couple hunnert years, he's not like to remember a halfling what he tripped over once. I mean, yer name's not on the board is it? He'll take yer dragons like any innkeep, I guess."
He finishes his drink and looks slyly at Hildi. "Sides, I know o' sumthin you'd be wantin' to see there at the Portal... got to do with books... but well, my feet'r tired from all the walkin' I'm 'bout to do to Amphail. Could do with a good rest in a nice bed" He rubs a foot like he just walked five leagues.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.