" Do Zhents have some kind of mark or sign or namebadge or something? I should ask Elon......maybe you should ask Elon. I think he thinks I hate him because of his life choices....which I totally don't."
" Should we ask Phaedra if we can be Harpers? Do you need to know an instrument?"
Phaedra would take a seat and instructed and wait with Vassa. As Lady Haventree enters, Phaedra smiles at her.
"Thank you for your concern but luckily none of us where injured in any way. However we are trying to get to the bottom of the attack because it not only killed innocent people but it seems to be connected to us in that the person who was killed had been coming to us with information and the Stone of Golorr. I am sure you know what that is the key to. So far we have been on nothing but a wild goose chase that involves a temple, a rouge Nimblewright, a necklace of fireballs and now two names. That of Urstul Floxin, a Black Network member who we believe stole the stone and has taken it to the House of Gralhund.
I was hoping you may know something about House Gralhund and there villa?"
Looking back over a Vassa Phaedra jumps. "Ohh sorry Lady, this is Vassa Sunstar, a fellow owner of Trollskull Manor and local bard extraordinaire. Some would probably add fellow co-conspirator" she adds with a little titter.
Vassa listens to Phaedra speak of her parents and upbringing, nodding his head in agreement that he is indeed motivated by a desire to ensure fairness and promote knowledge... though the bard stops short of confirming a desire to join the organisation.
Reaching the villa, the bard does indeed stay mostly quiet throughout, smiling at Phaedra's introduction. Reaching out to gently take the Lady's hand, Vassa sweeps into a courtly bow, but comes up with a friendly wink to say, "Oh come now, Phae. We are more than merely business partners and co-conspirators... we are friends. Besides, we stood in this very room only days ago, and I am sure that the lovely Lady Raventree has not forgotten our first meeting, for I surely have not. After all, how could even a fool such as I forget a vision of such grace and bearing!
[OOC] Being in the presence of Phaedra's Harper contact for the first time without non-harpers around, Vassa turns on all of his charm to try and make a good impression with Lady Haventree: persuasion: 21
"Nice to meet you again Master Sunstar." Leaning in she whispers, "Flattery will get you everywhere."
Looking back to Phaedra, "Oh I'm so glad to hear that you are all ok. And you're correct, I am aware of the Stone of Golorr. I'm not familiar with this Urstul character, I'll make it a point to correct that. The Gralhunds are a minor noble house that is trying to become a major house. Their primary business interests include contracting hireswords and manufacturing weapons. The Gralhund family are of Tethyrian descent but include a few tieflings somehow, though the tieflings are usually sent to a Gralhund estate in Yartar."
Silver just smiles looking at him "Well I'm trying to find some new armor, but first I need to go visit someone." with that Silver will stand up and begin to lead the way to the city of the dead.
After an uneventful walk, you and Bason arrive at the city of the dead.
" Do Zhents have some kind of mark or sign or namebadge or something? I should ask Elon......maybe you should ask Elon. I think he thinks I hate him because of his life choices....which I totally don't."
" Should we ask Phaedra if we can be Harpers? Do you need to know an instrument?"
"I can come up with worse ideas, don't tempt me!"
"I don't know anything about Zhents. No, you should ask Elon. Tell him you don't hate him, you are just disappointed in him."
"Harpers? Instruments? I suppose playing the harp might help. Do you play? But no, not for me. I'm my own man. You learn, out there in the deep, dark, woods...you learn to rely on yourself. You can't count on others all the time."
" Do Zhents have some kind of mark or sign or namebadge or something? I should ask Elon......maybe you should ask Elon. I think he thinks I hate him because of his life choices....which I totally don't."
" Should we ask Phaedra if we can be Harpers? Do you need to know an instrument?"
"I can come up with worse ideas, don't tempt me!"
"I don't know anything about Zhents. No, you should ask Elon. Tell him you don't hate him, you are just disappointed in him."
"Harpers? Instruments? I suppose playing the harp might help. Do you play? But no, not for me. I'm my own man. You learn, out there in the deep, dark, woods...you learn to rely on yourself. You can't count on others all the time."
" No temptation, got it."
" That always sounded worse from my parents."
" A Lone Wolf.....a solitary predator prowling the wild in search of...vengeance? retribution? absolution?.............you can count on me. I'm totes countable on."
"Nice to meet you again Master Sunstar." Leaning in she whispers, "Flattery will get you everywhere."
Looking back to Phaedra, "Oh I'm so glad to hear that you are all ok. And you're correct, I am aware of the Stone of Golorr. I'm not familiar with this Urstul character, I'll make it a point to correct that. The Gralhunds are a minor noble house that is trying to become a major house. Their primary business interests include contracting hireswords and manufacturing weapons. The Gralhund family are of Tethyrian descent but include a few tieflings somehow, though the tieflings are usually sent to a Gralhund estate in Yartar."
Smiling at the lady's saucy response, Vassa decides then and there that he genuinely likes this noblewoman. Looking over at the equally formidable Phaedra, the bard figures that any organisation that attracts such capable members might be worth joining after all, even if the half-drow was really still getting used to the idea of being part of a company or party... or whatever he and his new friends were.
Reminding himself to be patient and resisting the urge to speak out, Vassa merely winks at lady Haventree and sits back to listen to the two women speak. However, after a few moments, the bard gets his viol out and begins to play a sombre tune, "...A smallish man, Waterdhavian. A watch dog in a nervous land. He was only there to lend a hand, short memory..."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Phaedra rolls her eyes. "It's not the time for a tune... goodness."
"Lady, that would tell me that they are not proud of them by sending them away, or they wish to draw less attention to the number of them. Do you know the name of those that run the family in Waterdeep?"
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Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
" A Lone Wolf.....a solitary predator prowling the wild in search of...vengeance? retribution? absolution?.............you can count on me. I'm totes countable on."
"In search of good meals, whiskey and a fine pair of boots."
Silver looks at Bason and just smirks "No," he stops to look for a bouquet of flowers finding some nice yellow roses that has some of the petal sides coated in red. He smiles exchanging a gold with the person, clearly paying to much for the flowers but his hand raises to reject any change "Keep it."
He just turns back to Bason "It's almost the anniversary of when I lost someone and I just felt like bringing them flowers. Sorry for dragging you out here, I promise we'll get to the stores after this." he just begins to lead him to the grave in the higher end sections of the graves. Silver had no needs for maps as he guided Bason, clearly he knew the route ingrained by visit after visit. In front of them stood a marble gravestone with a name engraved Selina Babineaux, beloved daughter and lover of the unloved. Silver just kneels down dropping the flowers off as his hand traces the line lover of the unloved.
"Nice to meet you again Master Sunstar." Leaning in she whispers, "Flattery will get you everywhere."
Looking back to Phaedra, "Oh I'm so glad to hear that you are all ok. And you're correct, I am aware of the Stone of Golorr. I'm not familiar with this Urstul character, I'll make it a point to correct that. The Gralhunds are a minor noble house that is trying to become a major house. Their primary business interests include contracting hireswords and manufacturing weapons. The Gralhund family are of Tethyrian descent but include a few tieflings somehow, though the tieflings are usually sent to a Gralhund estate in Yartar."
Smiling at the lady's saucy response, Vassa decides then and there that he genuinely likes this noblewoman. Looking over at the equally formidable Phaedra, the bard figures that any organisation that attracts such capable members might be worth joining after all, even if the half-drow was really still getting used to the idea of being part of a company or party... or whatever he and his new friends were.
Reminding himself to be patient and resisting the urge to speak out, Vassa merely winks at lady Haventree and sits back to listen to the two women speak. However, after a few moments, the bard gets his viol out and begins to play a sombre tune, "...A smallish man, Waterdhavian. A watch dog in a nervous land. He was only there to lend a hand, short memory..."
Phaedra rolls her eyes. "It's not the time for a tune... goodness."
"Lady, that would tell me that they are not proud of them by sending them away, or they wish to draw less attention to the number of them. Do you know the name of those that run the family in Waterdeep?"
"Oh, it's ok. Bards have a need to perform, let him sing. The Gralhund family is ran by Orond and Yalah. Orond is quick to anger usually and has far too much pride. But when he's around his wife he's a meek as a kitten, Yalah is the driving force of the house. Also, their bodyguard Hrabbaz takes pretty active roll, usually on Yala's order. He's well mannered and polite but very dangerous to get on the wrong side of."
Phaedra rolls her eyes. "It's not the time for a tune... goodness."
"Lady, that would tell me that they are not proud of them by sending them away, or they wish to draw less attention to the number of them. Do you know the name of those that run the family in Waterdeep?"
"Oh, it's ok. Bards have a need to perform, let him sing. The Gralhund family is ran by Orond and Yalah. Orond is quick to anger usually and has far too much pride. But when he's around his wife he's a meek as a kitten, Yalah is the driving force of the house. Also, their bodyguard Hrabbaz takes pretty active roll, usually on Yala's order. He's well mannered and polite but very dangerous to get on the wrong side of."
Vassa feigns a look of dismay at Phaedra's comment about his singing, but smiles at Lady Haventree's understanding,
"Dearest, Phae. That would be like me telling you that it's not time to pray. Music is a universal fundamental, one of the languages of the firmament. One should never seek to stem its utterance.. even by a linguist as limited as myself.
I have heard of this Yala Gralhund before, if only in passing. I think the reference was along the line of 'she's a cheating, opportunistic wench!' From what you have just told us, Lady Haventree, she is a formidable personage and not one to trifle with lightly, especially if she keeps a menace like this Hrabbaz at her side.
A question, if I may. You say that the Gralhun family deals in the hiring of mercenaries - do you know if they perchance take walk-ups at their estate, or do they conduct their trade elsewhere?"
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D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Lady Haventree stiffles a laugh when Vassa repeats what he's heard about Yala. "That is a fitting description of Yala Gralhund if I've ever heard one." Looking back to Phae, "If this Urstul character has taken the stone to the Gralhund then I assume you all have a plan to retrieve it? Which means you'll need some supplies."
With that, Remallia walks over to leather bag sitting on one of the bookcases in the room. The bag appears empty the way it's lying but when Remallia reaches in she pulls out two vials and walks back toward the pair, handing each one vial. "I can't give you much for free because we still have to pay those who make everything for us. But I can give you these two potions of healing. If you need or want more I can sell you additional potions and spell scrolls for half off the normal rate, if I have it."
Putting his viol away, Vassa nods at generous gift and offer, saying, "Extremely generous, thank you, Lady Haventree. We will pass your offer on to our companions and do our best to ensure that the stone is taken from those who would use it for ill gains.
One other thing though, if I might be so bold... How does one actually 'become' a Harper? Is there a test? An initiation ritual? A complex secret handshake to memorise?"
Standing up, Vassa smiles warmly, making it clear that he's not asking mockingly, but out of genuine interest.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
" A Lone Wolf.....a solitary predator prowling the wild in search of...vengeance? retribution? absolution?.............you can count on me. I'm totes countable on."
"In search of good meals, whiskey and a fine pair of boots."
" Right....your boots.....should we have a look around now...or maybe ask someone? Or should we get back now?"
Putting his viol away, Vassa nods at generous gift and offer, saying, "Extremely generous, thank you, Lady Haventree. We will pass your offer on to our companions and do our best to ensure that stone is taken from those who would use it for ill gains.
One other thing though, if I might be so bold... How does one actually 'become' a Harper? Is there a test? An initiation ritual? A complex secret handshake to memorise?"
Standing up, Vassa smiles warmly, making it clear that he's not asking mockingly, but out of genuine interest.
"It is not hard to become a Harper, young bard. But it does require a commitment. You must agree to follow our code; not just when handling tasks for us but at all times. And an existing Harper must be willing to speak to the condition of your heart, on your behalf. If this is a road you wish to take, go and see Mirt. He's in charge of recruits in Waterdeep."
Stepping to the door she looks back, "If there's nothing else, I have other business to tend to. Good luck." And with that she opens the door and steps out. The butler motions for you to follow him and he leads you back to the front door of the home.
"It is not hard to become a Harper, young bard. But it does require a commitment. You must agree to follow our code; not just when handling tasks for us but at all times. And an existing Harper must be willing to speak to the condition of your heart, on your behalf. If this is a road you wish to take, go and see Mirt. He's in charge of recruits in Waterdeep."
Stepping to the door she looks back, "If there's nothing else, I have other business to tend to. Good luck." And with that she opens the door and steps out. The butler motions for you to follow him and he leads you back to the front door of the home.
Vassa nods at Lady Haventree's instructions, repeating to himself, "Follow the code. Have a Harper speak on my behalf. See Mirt. Got it!"
After they get outside, the bard begins walking in the direction of Trollskull Manor, but pauses to say to Phaedra, "That Lady Raventree's a real treasure. She easily makes it onto my top 5 noblewomen of Waterdeep list. Soo... there's a code, ehh? Can I ask what it is, or is that considered cheating?"
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D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Silver looks at Bason and just smirks "No," he stops to look for a bouquet of flowers finding some nice yellow roses that has some of the petal sides coated in red. He smiles exchanging a gold with the person, clearly paying to much for the flowers but his hand raises to reject any change "Keep it."
He just turns back to Bason "It's almost the anniversary of when I lost someone and I just felt like bringing them flowers. Sorry for dragging you out here, I promise we'll get to the stores after this." he just begins to lead him to the grave in the higher end sections of the graves. Silver had no needs for maps as he guided Bason, clearly he knew the route ingrained by visit after visit. In front of them stood a marble gravestone with a name engraved Selina Babineaux, beloved daughter and lover of the unloved. Silver just kneels down dropping the flowers off as his hand traces the line lover of the unloved.
Bason smiles warmly at Silver as they walk to the cemetery. He'll stay a respectful distance away while Silver visits the grave. He'll look over to a different section of the City of the Dead. Once he heads back over, he'll say "I would like to make a stop as well, if you don't mind." He'll lead them to a more crowded section. He goes to a simple stone, marked with the symbol of the Vintners', Distillers', & Brewers' Guild and a name; Kargon CrimsonBrow. Bason will go up to the grave and rest his hand on the top.
"Hullo brother. Sorry I haven't been by to visit as often lately. I got in trouble with the Guild again. Beat up some bakers, bwhahaha. I'm making a new mead, I'll bring you some next time. Oh, I have some new friends who might be able to help. I will be back soon, I promise."
Bason will pat the grave and walk back to Silver. "Thank you. I need to visit here more often. It's hard losing your loved ones. It's been over 14 years since my brother passed.... Someone set fire to our brewery. He tried to save it, but didn't make it out." Bason sighs heavily. "The Watch couldn't figure out who set the fire and abandoned the search. But I never have." He looks to Silver. "I was wondering, you have contacts in some of the shadier parts of Waterdeep, yes? Could you put me in contact with someone who could help me in my search? I know it's been awhile since it happened, but someone must know something! I mean, not right now, we have other things to do, but sometime later? Anyways, lead the way. Let's get you some armor!"
As Vassa and Phaedra walk back towards the Manor, the cleric seems rather pleased with herself.
"Ohh you have a top five noblewomen of Waterdeep list? I won't even ask how you rate them.... knowing you I'm not even surprised that you know so many noblewomen in this city that you could have a list of them. I suppose you have a list for all the big cities" she waves her hands, "Vassa's top five noblewomen of Baldur's Gate, ohh even better top five barmaid of Baldur's Gate, now that would be a page turner. The noblewomen things goes much better with the noblewomen of Neverwinter. Top five maidens of Elturel..." she sakes her head.
*Next he will say he has a top five priestess' list... ohh he needs to think before he speaks*
As he mentions becoming a Harper again, Phaedra smirks. "So I have peeked your interest about the Harper's then or is it just that you have meet Lady Haventree a few times? Yes we do have a code but your a smart man and it is not hard to learn. More common sense than anything else.
Firstly we work against villainy and wickedness wherever we find it, but we work ever mindful of the consequences of what we do. Secondly we wish all beings should walk free of fear, with the right to live their lives as they wish. Thirdly the rule of law aids peace and fosters freedom, so long as the laws are just and those who enforce them lenient and understanding. Fourthly, no extreme is good. For freedom to flourish, all must be in balance: the powers of realms, the reaches of the cities and the wilderlands into each other, and the influence of one being over another. Fifthly you must do whatever it takes to aid others and the Harper cause, for as they say, whatever it takes, a Harper will do. Pride never rules the deeds of a true Harper. Sixth, freedom is the right of all, though Harpers can spare themselves less freedom than those they work to protect when the need presents itself. Seventh, Harpers police their own. A Harper who hears the call of personal power can no longer hear the sweet song of the harp. A Harper who seizes power, and holds it above all else, is a traitor to the harp." Phaedra pauses for a second as some people walk past them. "Traitors must die for freedom to live. And the one that I believe is often forgotten but just as important as the rest of the code, without a past, no being can appreciate what they have, and where they may be going. It was my past that lead me away from Elturel with it's somewhat stifling rules and into the arms of the Harpers. And even to Waterdeep you could say.
The code guides our actions but we are not just the code. We are not a militant organisation or some secret group of meddlers like others often say. Those that say we meddle often can not see that anything is worth doing unless it has a monetary gain or helps them gather power. In the end we are the deeds that we do, the good that we sow and the evil and wickedness that we see undone. Mystra has sent me on this path, for she was in my heart before I become a Harper but know I am both, equally.
If this is something that you do indeed truly wish for, I will take you to meet Mirt and vouch for you. It would be great to have a fellow Harper and well, I think it suits you. You are a free spirit and need to wander yet I know deep down you search for a cause to champion. The religious orders are not for you but this could be." The pair turn the corner and look at the Manor. "I mean it Vassa, this could be."
Vassa walks alongside Phaedra, listening attentively to the eloquent priestess while still finding time to smile, wink and wave at passersby who catch his wandering violet gaze. An astute observer would notice that while some of the strangers that the stylishly attired bard greets are indeed conventionally handsome or beautiful, an equal number are not, but are rather more notable for their own palpable individuality or other point of difference - a surly blackbearded dwarf with a dozen facial piercings of different metals holding a bouquet of white roses; a badly scarred halfling maiden with a shaved head quietly humming a tune from a bygone era to herself; an unusually tall elvish man with an unnervingly sharp gaze and two walking canes, who alternately shuffles then dances down the road, seemingly telling jokes to himself the whole time.
Drinking in the sights, sounds and smells of the city as he always does, the half-elf thinks of a dozen quips and interjections to make as his companion speaks of the Harper organisation and its code, but instead he listens to the Phaedra's entire dissemination without interuption. As he and the Mystran Harper round the street corner to come within sight of the Manor, the bard pauses and turns to the blue-eyed priestess as he says warmly without hint of his oft-sarcastic tone,
"You and Lady Haventree honour me with your offer and your belief that I could be one of you, Phae. Your words, and the sincerity that underlies them, gives me much food for thought. A life of striving to encourage peace, compassion, justice and freedom throughout the realms is something I have given real consideration to, even prior to encountering those who harp. I will reflect further on what you have told me, but... when I am ready, I think I will take you up on your offer to meet this Mirt. Maybe this admirable path that you walk could be a way forward for these meandering boots of mine... perhaps.
As for acknowledging our pasts... that is not something that I am in the habit of, I must confess. But your willingness to speak on my behalf requires some sharing on my part. I see that, even if you are too kind to demand it of me. I'm... sort of a noble of Waterdeep myself, though not really. More like a barely acknowledged half-son of a barely acknowledged half-noble house. My family roots are something I do not discuss a lot and have... mixed feelings over. I was actually born and spent my early childhood in the Amnian city of Athkatla, far from Waterdeep, though I have spent all of my adult life here in the City of Splendors. So I'm something of a local, and somewhat not. As you're probably deducing, this is just another of my many endearing contradictions. The concepts of family and home are neither simple nor comfortable notions to me.
I... We... will speak like this again soon, I hope."
Vassa lets his words trail away as the two approach the door to the Manor. Before he steps through he will smile at Phaedra and with a wink, instantly reassumes his swagger and the air of confidence that the bard wears about himself like a suit of armour.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
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" That is probably the worst idea."
" Lets just assume that it was like 50%."
" Do Zhents have some kind of mark or sign or namebadge or something? I should ask Elon......maybe you should ask Elon. I think he thinks I hate him because of his life choices....which I totally don't."
" Should we ask Phaedra if we can be Harpers? Do you need to know an instrument?"
"Nice to meet you again Master Sunstar." Leaning in she whispers, "Flattery will get you everywhere."
Looking back to Phaedra, "Oh I'm so glad to hear that you are all ok. And you're correct, I am aware of the Stone of Golorr. I'm not familiar with this Urstul character, I'll make it a point to correct that. The Gralhunds are a minor noble house that is trying to become a major house. Their primary business interests include contracting hireswords and manufacturing weapons. The Gralhund family are of Tethyrian descent but include a few tieflings somehow, though the tieflings are usually sent to a Gralhund estate in Yartar."
After an uneventful walk, you and Bason arrive at the city of the dead.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
"I can come up with worse ideas, don't tempt me!"
"I don't know anything about Zhents. No, you should ask Elon. Tell him you don't hate him, you are just disappointed in him."
"Harpers? Instruments? I suppose playing the harp might help. Do you play? But no, not for me. I'm my own man. You learn, out there in the deep, dark, woods...you learn to rely on yourself. You can't count on others all the time."
" No temptation, got it."
" That always sounded worse from my parents."
" A Lone Wolf.....a solitary predator prowling the wild in search of...vengeance? retribution? absolution?.............you can count on me. I'm totes countable on."
Smiling at the lady's saucy response, Vassa decides then and there that he genuinely likes this noblewoman. Looking over at the equally formidable Phaedra, the bard figures that any organisation that attracts such capable members might be worth joining after all, even if the half-drow was really still getting used to the idea of being part of a company or party... or whatever he and his new friends were.
Reminding himself to be patient and resisting the urge to speak out, Vassa merely winks at lady Haventree and sits back to listen to the two women speak. However, after a few moments, the bard gets his viol out and begins to play a sombre tune, "...A smallish man, Waterdhavian. A watch dog in a nervous land. He was only there to lend a hand, short memory..."
[OOC] performance check: 28
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Phaedra rolls her eyes. "It's not the time for a tune... goodness."
"Lady, that would tell me that they are not proud of them by sending them away, or they wish to draw less attention to the number of them. Do you know the name of those that run the family in Waterdeep?"
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
"In search of good meals, whiskey and a fine pair of boots."
Silver looks at Bason and just smirks "No," he stops to look for a bouquet of flowers finding some nice yellow roses that has some of the petal sides coated in red. He smiles exchanging a gold with the person, clearly paying to much for the flowers but his hand raises to reject any change "Keep it."
He just turns back to Bason "It's almost the anniversary of when I lost someone and I just felt like bringing them flowers. Sorry for dragging you out here, I promise we'll get to the stores after this." he just begins to lead him to the grave in the higher end sections of the graves. Silver had no needs for maps as he guided Bason, clearly he knew the route ingrained by visit after visit. In front of them stood a marble gravestone with a name engraved Selina Babineaux, beloved daughter and lover of the unloved. Silver just kneels down dropping the flowers off as his hand traces the line lover of the unloved.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
"Oh, it's ok. Bards have a need to perform, let him sing. The Gralhund family is ran by Orond and Yalah. Orond is quick to anger usually and has far too much pride. But when he's around his wife he's a meek as a kitten, Yalah is the driving force of the house. Also, their bodyguard Hrabbaz takes pretty active roll, usually on Yala's order. He's well mannered and polite but very dangerous to get on the wrong side of."
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Vassa feigns a look of dismay at Phaedra's comment about his singing, but smiles at Lady Haventree's understanding,
"Dearest, Phae. That would be like me telling you that it's not time to pray. Music is a universal fundamental, one of the languages of the firmament. One should never seek to stem its utterance.. even by a linguist as limited as myself.
I have heard of this Yala Gralhund before, if only in passing. I think the reference was along the line of 'she's a cheating, opportunistic wench!' From what you have just told us, Lady Haventree, she is a formidable personage and not one to trifle with lightly, especially if she keeps a menace like this Hrabbaz at her side.
A question, if I may. You say that the Gralhun family deals in the hiring of mercenaries - do you know if they perchance take walk-ups at their estate, or do they conduct their trade elsewhere?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Lady Haventree stiffles a laugh when Vassa repeats what he's heard about Yala. "That is a fitting description of Yala Gralhund if I've ever heard one." Looking back to Phae, "If this Urstul character has taken the stone to the Gralhund then I assume you all have a plan to retrieve it? Which means you'll need some supplies."
With that, Remallia walks over to leather bag sitting on one of the bookcases in the room. The bag appears empty the way it's lying but when Remallia reaches in she pulls out two vials and walks back toward the pair, handing each one vial. "I can't give you much for free because we still have to pay those who make everything for us. But I can give you these two potions of healing. If you need or want more I can sell you additional potions and spell scrolls for half off the normal rate, if I have it."
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Phaedra takes the potion offered to her. "Thank you Lady for the gift and your time. I hope next time we meet that we have liberated the stone."
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Putting his viol away, Vassa nods at generous gift and offer, saying, "Extremely generous, thank you, Lady Haventree. We will pass your offer on to our companions and do our best to ensure that the stone is taken from those who would use it for ill gains.
One other thing though, if I might be so bold... How does one actually 'become' a Harper? Is there a test? An initiation ritual? A complex secret handshake to memorise?"
Standing up, Vassa smiles warmly, making it clear that he's not asking mockingly, but out of genuine interest.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
" Right....your boots.....should we have a look around now...or maybe ask someone? Or should we get back now?"
"I trust it will be as you have said."
"It is not hard to become a Harper, young bard. But it does require a commitment. You must agree to follow our code; not just when handling tasks for us but at all times. And an existing Harper must be willing to speak to the condition of your heart, on your behalf. If this is a road you wish to take, go and see Mirt. He's in charge of recruits in Waterdeep."
Stepping to the door she looks back, "If there's nothing else, I have other business to tend to. Good luck." And with that she opens the door and steps out. The butler motions for you to follow him and he leads you back to the front door of the home.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Vassa nods at Lady Haventree's instructions, repeating to himself, "Follow the code. Have a Harper speak on my behalf. See Mirt. Got it!"
After they get outside, the bard begins walking in the direction of Trollskull Manor, but pauses to say to Phaedra, "That Lady Raventree's a real treasure. She easily makes it onto my top 5 noblewomen of Waterdeep list. Soo... there's a code, ehh? Can I ask what it is, or is that considered cheating?"
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
"No sense rushing into things. Let's get back to the Manor."
Bason smiles warmly at Silver as they walk to the cemetery. He'll stay a respectful distance away while Silver visits the grave. He'll look over to a different section of the City of the Dead. Once he heads back over, he'll say "I would like to make a stop as well, if you don't mind." He'll lead them to a more crowded section. He goes to a simple stone, marked with the symbol of the Vintners', Distillers', & Brewers' Guild and a name; Kargon CrimsonBrow. Bason will go up to the grave and rest his hand on the top.
"Hullo brother. Sorry I haven't been by to visit as often lately. I got in trouble with the Guild again. Beat up some bakers, bwhahaha. I'm making a new mead, I'll bring you some next time. Oh, I have some new friends who might be able to help. I will be back soon, I promise."
Bason will pat the grave and walk back to Silver. "Thank you. I need to visit here more often. It's hard losing your loved ones. It's been over 14 years since my brother passed.... Someone set fire to our brewery. He tried to save it, but didn't make it out." Bason sighs heavily. "The Watch couldn't figure out who set the fire and abandoned the search. But I never have." He looks to Silver. "I was wondering, you have contacts in some of the shadier parts of Waterdeep, yes? Could you put me in contact with someone who could help me in my search? I know it's been awhile since it happened, but someone must know something! I mean, not right now, we have other things to do, but sometime later? Anyways, lead the way. Let's get you some armor!"
As Vassa and Phaedra walk back towards the Manor, the cleric seems rather pleased with herself.
"Ohh you have a top five noblewomen of Waterdeep list? I won't even ask how you rate them.... knowing you I'm not even surprised that you know so many noblewomen in this city that you could have a list of them. I suppose you have a list for all the big cities" she waves her hands, "Vassa's top five noblewomen of Baldur's Gate, ohh even better top five barmaid of Baldur's Gate, now that would be a page turner. The noblewomen things goes much better with the noblewomen of Neverwinter. Top five maidens of Elturel..." she sakes her head.
*Next he will say he has a top five priestess' list... ohh he needs to think before he speaks*
As he mentions becoming a Harper again, Phaedra smirks. "So I have peeked your interest about the Harper's then or is it just that you have meet Lady Haventree a few times? Yes we do have a code but your a smart man and it is not hard to learn. More common sense than anything else.
Firstly we work against villainy and wickedness wherever we find it, but we work ever mindful of the consequences of what we do. Secondly we wish all beings should walk free of fear, with the right to live their lives as they wish. Thirdly the rule of law aids peace and fosters freedom, so long as the laws are just and those who enforce them lenient and understanding. Fourthly, no extreme is good. For freedom to flourish, all must be in balance: the powers of realms, the reaches of the cities and the wilderlands into each other, and the influence of one being over another. Fifthly you must do whatever it takes to aid others and the Harper cause, for as they say, whatever it takes, a Harper will do. Pride never rules the deeds of a true Harper. Sixth, freedom is the right of all, though Harpers can spare themselves less freedom than those they work to protect when the need presents itself. Seventh, Harpers police their own. A Harper who hears the call of personal power can no longer hear the sweet song of the harp. A Harper who seizes power, and holds it above all else, is a traitor to the harp." Phaedra pauses for a second as some people walk past them. "Traitors must die for freedom to live. And the one that I believe is often forgotten but just as important as the rest of the code, without a past, no being can appreciate what they have, and where they may be going. It was my past that lead me away from Elturel with it's somewhat stifling rules and into the arms of the Harpers. And even to Waterdeep you could say.
The code guides our actions but we are not just the code. We are not a militant organisation or some secret group of meddlers like others often say. Those that say we meddle often can not see that anything is worth doing unless it has a monetary gain or helps them gather power. In the end we are the deeds that we do, the good that we sow and the evil and wickedness that we see undone. Mystra has sent me on this path, for she was in my heart before I become a Harper but know I am both, equally.
If this is something that you do indeed truly wish for, I will take you to meet Mirt and vouch for you. It would be great to have a fellow Harper and well, I think it suits you. You are a free spirit and need to wander yet I know deep down you search for a cause to champion. The religious orders are not for you but this could be." The pair turn the corner and look at the Manor. "I mean it Vassa, this could be."
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Vassa walks alongside Phaedra, listening attentively to the eloquent priestess while still finding time to smile, wink and wave at passersby who catch his wandering violet gaze. An astute observer would notice that while some of the strangers that the stylishly attired bard greets are indeed conventionally handsome or beautiful, an equal number are not, but are rather more notable for their own palpable individuality or other point of difference - a surly blackbearded dwarf with a dozen facial piercings of different metals holding a bouquet of white roses; a badly scarred halfling maiden with a shaved head quietly humming a tune from a bygone era to herself; an unusually tall elvish man with an unnervingly sharp gaze and two walking canes, who alternately shuffles then dances down the road, seemingly telling jokes to himself the whole time.
Drinking in the sights, sounds and smells of the city as he always does, the half-elf thinks of a dozen quips and interjections to make as his companion speaks of the Harper organisation and its code, but instead he listens to the Phaedra's entire dissemination without interuption. As he and the Mystran Harper round the street corner to come within sight of the Manor, the bard pauses and turns to the blue-eyed priestess as he says warmly without hint of his oft-sarcastic tone,
"You and Lady Haventree honour me with your offer and your belief that I could be one of you, Phae. Your words, and the sincerity that underlies them, gives me much food for thought. A life of striving to encourage peace, compassion, justice and freedom throughout the realms is something I have given real consideration to, even prior to encountering those who harp. I will reflect further on what you have told me, but... when I am ready, I think I will take you up on your offer to meet this Mirt. Maybe this admirable path that you walk could be a way forward for these meandering boots of mine... perhaps.
As for acknowledging our pasts... that is not something that I am in the habit of, I must confess. But your willingness to speak on my behalf requires some sharing on my part. I see that, even if you are too kind to demand it of me. I'm... sort of a noble of Waterdeep myself, though not really. More like a barely acknowledged half-son of a barely acknowledged half-noble house. My family roots are something I do not discuss a lot and have... mixed feelings over. I was actually born and spent my early childhood in the Amnian city of Athkatla, far from Waterdeep, though I have spent all of my adult life here in the City of Splendors. So I'm something of a local, and somewhat not. As you're probably deducing, this is just another of my many endearing contradictions. The concepts of family and home are neither simple nor comfortable notions to me.
I... We... will speak like this again soon, I hope."
Vassa lets his words trail away as the two approach the door to the Manor. Before he steps through he will smile at Phaedra and with a wink, instantly reassumes his swagger and the air of confidence that the bard wears about himself like a suit of armour.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea