Hmph, it doesn't make sense. If a group rescued me from a cage, I would be grateful. Not looking to cause problems for them by spreading lies -- if I really wanted to be their friend. And where was he during that Deathlock fight? We heard him talking but I'm pretty sure I never actually saw him until afterwards. Did you see him?
I did not see him during the fight, but not everyone is brave Alten. I have found that most sentient beings are complicated. I cannot speak to his actions, nor would I coerce answers from him. I prefer to watch and observe, then when the time is right just make minor adjustments.
As the silence goes on for several seconds, and then several minutes, Shake becomes more uncomfortable. He does not like silence, except when it is accompanied by the excitement of being sneaky. “So you guys want to know my secrets? Fine. Maybe I wasn’t entirely honest with you." He pauses for a moment while gathering his thoughts. "I am not a famous bard. At least not yet. But one day I will be the most famous bard of this era.”
“You see, I was born an orphan. Or at least that was what the Dwarfs who raised me always told me. ‘You were born an orphan and you’ll never be anything else.’ Don’t get me wrong, they raised me from when I was an infant through most of my formidable years. I would not have survived without them. But they never really accepted me as their own. Still, I learned their language and their songs. They became my language and my songs. Then I grew up and they sold my services to a group of elves that they occasionally did business with.”
“The elves thought I was a marvelous oddity. They could not get over watching somebody who looked like an elf sing dwarfen songs. Don't be fooled, although I may bear a resemblance to elves, I am not a full blooded elf. I was an amusing pet to them. Perhaps even a favored and somewhat beloved pet. They taught me their language, and how to focus my perception. This latter practice allows me to move carefully and quietly through my environment, and helps with my dexterity when fingering an instrument. They even taught me a little magic.”
Shake suddenly smiles in remembrance, “But mostly they taught me their music. Song after song. Their amusement was piqued by my attempts to sing their songs. But I didn’t even care if they laughed at me openly, which being elves they never did. Having the opportunity to learn those songs and use them to brighten the day of my audiences was worth any ridicule. Those were probably my happiest years. But as the Dwarfen philosopher, Octavius Butler, famously wrote, 'the only eternal is change - even the largest of rocks will become as sand.' One day the elves grew tired of me and found a new amusement. Soon I was a forgotten and neglected pet. So I left the Elves. Oakhurst was one of my first destinations and I had just arrived in the area when Balek’s goons kidnapped me. Then you saved me and now we are here.”
“So, that’s my life in a nutshell. No more secrets.” Shake’s eyes stay focused on the road, embarrassed to meet the eyes of his current companions.
Alten is continuing on towards town this whole time at what is probably a fast travel pace. He’s focusing on the conversation with Eldenser and his anger. He is not paying as much attention to what’s going on around him as he should.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
I did not see him during the fight, but not everyone is brave Alten. I have found that most sentient beings are complicated. I cannot speak to his actions, nor would I coerce answers from him. I prefer to watch and observe, then when the time is right just make minor adjustments.
That’s not how I was trained to tackle problems. In my experience big mouth smooth talkers like that don’t take “minor adjustments”. They usually need a major adjustment.
As the silence around shake begins to set in again he says. "So when I originally told you that I was captured by Balek, that was true. I don't know why he captured me or why he kept me separate from the other bards you met. He left me naked in a cage for days. I thought that he was going to feed me to his goblins, but perhaps he was going to feed me to his tree. The only person who would know for certain was Balek and we killed him, together."
"I admit, after telling you the truth, then I lied about Belak killing my family and seeking revenge. But remember, you didn't believe me and Talien stabbed me in the chest and threatened to kill me if I didn't tell you the truth." Shake reveals his chest, where a red spot from where Talien cut his chest is still visible. "I was still locked in the cage, naked, and I thought you were all quite mad, but you were my only way out. So I made up some story about my family being murdered. I thought it was totally over the top and was sure that I would die, but luckily you all believed it and freed me, for which I will be forever grateful. But then I didn't know the way out. Balek's goons blindfolded me when they took me, and all that I had seen was the room that contained my cage. I am not an adventurer like you. I had to follow you to get out, even though I was still half convinced that you were all mad and being led by a zealot. I do appreciate the opportunity to have helped end Balek, even if only by using some of the healing magic taught to me by the elves. I'm glad he won't be able to capture any more hapless fools like me."
Shake shakes his head. "I am such a fool. Why did I ever leave the elves? It was lonely, but it was safe and there was plenty of good food... They didn't want me to sing anymore. I know why the caged bird sings. I'm sorry for lying. I really wasn't cut out for any of this."
Talien looks over to Shake as he speaks and listens to his story. He then says to Shake. You can be what you want in this world. Strength and courage do not always win. My master died with me in battle, and he was stronger and more skilled than me. You can sing songs and fight if you put your mind to it, isnt that right Shatterspike? He swings his his blade looking for an answer that doesn't come. My blade does not talk to me like Altens does yet, he said it may never but I do not know he is right. Perhaps another weapon that I have will talk to me, I will have to check them later.
"Thank you friend. Since I am being truthful, I was terrified of you at first. But now I think I understand. Whoever created you must have given you the spirit and innocence of a child in order to maximize your potential. Truly, you are a marvel."
"Thank you for telling us the truth, Shake. We're all tired and it's been a long week, I think getting back to town, getting some food and drinks and a good night's rest will make all of this seem much less dramatic. Many of us here are without families - this lifestyle seems to draw those with few attachments."
"Elves are often dismissive of those they believe do not belong," Arxius grunts in response to Shake's story, wary of the fact what little Elf upbringing she had meant she acted the same from time to time. "You are better off without them."
Our worn out party arrives on the outskirts of Oakhurst just as the sun is beginning to set to see smoke rising from the center of the village. A loud din fills the air... but, it is not panic or fright as you might expect to hear after releasing a dragon into the world - no, instead it is the sound of music and joyous laughter. As you enter the village and head for the center of town children dart out from behind buildings and scream at one another in a game of tag. You can see the girls are all dressed in white dresses with crowns of flowers and the boys in white collared shirts -though none of them wear any shoes. A dark features man who you recognize as Garon stumbles out of an open doorway and shouts to you, "Elo'! The Ero's are back! Whoo Hoo! Thank ya fer riding the town of those awful blights! We've started the Midsomer festivities a few days early to celebrate! Everyone's waiting fer ya in the town square!"
Alten intended to make his way back to town. He wasn't stopping or waiting for the group. Are we handwaving that the group caught up to Alten before reaching town? Or did Alten just get into town and make his way to the Inn and Garon stumbles upon the rest of the group?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Alten intended to make his way back to town. He wasn't stopping or waiting for the group. Are we handwaving that the group caught up to Alten before reaching town? Or did Alten just get into town and make his way to the Inn and Garon stumbles upon the rest of the group?
DM Note: I'm strapped for time today, so needed to post the next segment... feel free to keep the RP up, or if you guys want to hand-wave that everyone caught up to Alten that's fine too.
I don’t know abut “hero”. But if you want to reward me, at this moment I would love nothing more than a room with a soft bed, a hot bath, some fresh, clean clothes and a meal that consists of more than rations.
How do any of you know to celebrate what we’ve only just completed?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
I don’t know abut “hero”. But if you want to reward me, at this moment I would love nothing more than a room with a soft bed, a hot bath, some fresh, clean clothes and a meal that consists of more than rations.
How do any of you know to celebrate what we’ve only just completed?
"Those stick monsters that were attacking the farmers fields suddenly came in a big ol wave yesterday and jus' as they were about to reach town they suddenly collapsed and turned to ash! We knew you went to sus' out the citadel.. so I jus' assumed it was you lot! Am I mistaken? You look a bit weary and I don' know who else it coulda been..."
Talien asks Grom when the song ends Can you make me fly? Like a bird.
Warforged Fighter Talien
I did not see him during the fight, but not everyone is brave Alten. I have found that most sentient beings are complicated. I cannot speak to his actions, nor would I coerce answers from him. I prefer to watch and observe, then when the time is right just make minor adjustments.
As the silence goes on for several seconds, and then several minutes, Shake becomes more uncomfortable. He does not like silence, except when it is accompanied by the excitement of being sneaky. “So you guys want to know my secrets? Fine. Maybe I wasn’t entirely honest with you." He pauses for a moment while gathering his thoughts. "I am not a famous bard. At least not yet. But one day I will be the most famous bard of this era.”
“You see, I was born an orphan. Or at least that was what the Dwarfs who raised me always told me. ‘You were born an orphan and you’ll never be anything else.’ Don’t get me wrong, they raised me from when I was an infant through most of my formidable years. I would not have survived without them. But they never really accepted me as their own. Still, I learned their language and their songs. They became my language and my songs. Then I grew up and they sold my services to a group of elves that they occasionally did business with.”
“The elves thought I was a marvelous oddity. They could not get over watching somebody who looked like an elf sing dwarfen songs. Don't be fooled, although I may bear a resemblance to elves, I am not a full blooded elf. I was an amusing pet to them. Perhaps even a favored and somewhat beloved pet. They taught me their language, and how to focus my perception. This latter practice allows me to move carefully and quietly through my environment, and helps with my dexterity when fingering an instrument. They even taught me a little magic.”
Shake suddenly smiles in remembrance, “But mostly they taught me their music. Song after song. Their amusement was piqued by my attempts to sing their songs. But I didn’t even care if they laughed at me openly, which being elves they never did. Having the opportunity to learn those songs and use them to brighten the day of my audiences was worth any ridicule. Those were probably my happiest years. But as the Dwarfen philosopher, Octavius Butler, famously wrote, 'the only eternal is change - even the largest of rocks will become as sand.' One day the elves grew tired of me and found a new amusement. Soon I was a forgotten and neglected pet. So I left the Elves. Oakhurst was one of my first destinations and I had just arrived in the area when Balek’s goons kidnapped me. Then you saved me and now we are here.”
“So, that’s my life in a nutshell. No more secrets.” Shake’s eyes stay focused on the road, embarrassed to meet the eyes of his current companions.
Shake - Fenris Worldsbane's Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citidal
Randy Doe - Water Deep: Dragon Heist
My Thingiverse Profile
If I continue my studies possibly... I have read of such spells being a thing
Grombrindal "The White Dwarf" (Dwarf - Wizard) - Fenris_Worldsbane's Tales from the Yawning Portal

Alten is continuing on towards town this whole time at what is probably a fast travel pace. He’s focusing on the conversation with Eldenser and his anger. He is not paying as much attention to what’s going on around him as he should.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
That’s not how I was trained to tackle problems. In my experience big mouth smooth talkers like that don’t take “minor adjustments”. They usually need a major adjustment.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
As the silence around shake begins to set in again he says. "So when I originally told you that I was captured by Balek, that was true. I don't know why he captured me or why he kept me separate from the other bards you met. He left me naked in a cage for days. I thought that he was going to feed me to his goblins, but perhaps he was going to feed me to his tree. The only person who would know for certain was Balek and we killed him, together."
"I admit, after telling you the truth, then I lied about Belak killing my family and seeking revenge. But remember, you didn't believe me and Talien stabbed me in the chest and threatened to kill me if I didn't tell you the truth." Shake reveals his chest, where a red spot from where Talien cut his chest is still visible. "I was still locked in the cage, naked, and I thought you were all quite mad, but you were my only way out. So I made up some story about my family being murdered. I thought it was totally over the top and was sure that I would die, but luckily you all believed it and freed me, for which I will be forever grateful. But then I didn't know the way out. Balek's goons blindfolded me when they took me, and all that I had seen was the room that contained my cage. I am not an adventurer like you. I had to follow you to get out, even though I was still half convinced that you were all mad and being led by a zealot. I do appreciate the opportunity to have helped end Balek, even if only by using some of the healing magic taught to me by the elves. I'm glad he won't be able to capture any more hapless fools like me."
Shake shakes his head. "I am such a fool. Why did I ever leave the elves? It was lonely, but it was safe and there was plenty of good food... They didn't want me to sing anymore. I know why the caged bird sings. I'm sorry for lying. I really wasn't cut out for any of this."
Shake - Fenris Worldsbane's Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citidal
Randy Doe - Water Deep: Dragon Heist
My Thingiverse Profile
Talien looks over to Shake as he speaks and listens to his story. He then says to Shake. You can be what you want in this world. Strength and courage do not always win. My master died with me in battle, and he was stronger and more skilled than me. You can sing songs and fight if you put your mind to it, isnt that right Shatterspike? He swings his his blade looking for an answer that doesn't come. My blade does not talk to me like Altens does yet, he said it may never but I do not know he is right. Perhaps another weapon that I have will talk to me, I will have to check them later.
Warforged Fighter Talien
"Thank you friend. Since I am being truthful, I was terrified of you at first. But now I think I understand. Whoever created you must have given you the spirit and innocence of a child in order to maximize your potential. Truly, you are a marvel."
Shake - Fenris Worldsbane's Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citidal
Randy Doe - Water Deep: Dragon Heist
My Thingiverse Profile
As he’s walking, Alten realizes how sore and banged up he still is. He dumps 10 points of Lay On Hands on himself.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
"Thank you for telling us the truth, Shake. We're all tired and it's been a long week, I think getting back to town, getting some food and drinks and a good night's rest will make all of this seem much less dramatic. Many of us here are without families - this lifestyle seems to draw those with few attachments."
Rees Changeling Rogue in Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citadel
Nikya Centaur Blood Hunter in Death House Halloween Oneshot
I do not need food or drink Rees.
Warforged Fighter Talien
"Elves are often dismissive of those they believe do not belong," Arxius grunts in response to Shake's story, wary of the fact what little Elf upbringing she had meant she acted the same from time to time. "You are better off without them."
Arxius, Elven Simic Hybrid Ranger in Tales from the Yawning Portal
The Sunless Citadel, Chapter 10: Midsummer
Evening, 6th of Summertide, 1495 DR
Our worn out party arrives on the outskirts of Oakhurst just as the sun is beginning to set to see smoke rising from the center of the village. A loud din fills the air... but, it is not panic or fright as you might expect to hear after releasing a dragon into the world - no, instead it is the sound of music and joyous laughter. As you enter the village and head for the center of town children dart out from behind buildings and scream at one another in a game of tag. You can see the girls are all dressed in white dresses with crowns of flowers and the boys in white collared shirts -though none of them wear any shoes. A dark features man who you recognize as Garon stumbles out of an open doorway and shouts to you, "Elo'! The Ero's are back! Whoo Hoo! Thank ya fer riding the town of those awful blights! We've started the Midsomer festivities a few days early to celebrate! Everyone's waiting fer ya in the town square!"
Alten intended to make his way back to town. He wasn't stopping or waiting for the group. Are we handwaving that the group caught up to Alten before reaching town? Or did Alten just get into town and make his way to the Inn and Garon stumbles upon the rest of the group?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
DM Note: I'm strapped for time today, so needed to post the next segment... feel free to keep the RP up, or if you guys want to hand-wave that everyone caught up to Alten that's fine too.
I'm cool with saying they caught up - I don't think they would have let Alten get too far ahead?
Rees Changeling Rogue in Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citadel
Nikya Centaur Blood Hunter in Death House Halloween Oneshot
To Garon
I don’t know abut “hero”. But if you want to reward me, at this moment I would love nothing more than a room with a soft bed, a hot bath, some fresh, clean clothes and a meal that consists of more than rations.
How do any of you know to celebrate what we’ve only just completed?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
"Those stick monsters that were attacking the farmers fields suddenly came in a big ol wave yesterday and jus' as they were about to reach town they suddenly collapsed and turned to ash! We knew you went to sus' out the citadel.. so I jus' assumed it was you lot! Am I mistaken? You look a bit weary and I don' know who else it coulda been..."
The gods and fate and our skills did allow us to destroy the tree and the caster that spawned the stick monsters.
I'm glad we got it done before they were able to cause harm.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus