A good tale, and well told, Ontharr says finally. Soar and Elspeth have taken up much of the telling, with Jalt and Nate chipping in occasionally. Soar, your descriptions of the combat and the beheadings of the cultists do indeed seem to impress Ontharr most, and although he allows you to tell the tale in the manner you like, after each battle description he stops you and asks specific questions about your technique and choices during the battle - you learn quickly that he is an experienced and knowledgeable fighter and probably an experience teacher as well. Make a Performance check, with advantage because of the topic.
As the story ends, Leosin says quietly: You know that we will need aid in this matter. They are, I judge, a suitable group and worthy of our trust.
Ontharr seems to think for a moment, and then nods. Perhaps. But you know my ways well enough, Leosin. And you have spent some time with these folks - been rescued by them, despite your protestations. I have not, and do not know them, or not yet at least.
Perhaps you can find some time in your busy schedule tomorrow then?
I'm sure I can, Ontharr replies, grinning. I had planned to ride out - perhaps you would all care to join me?
I'm afraid I must tend to my messages, Leosin says apologetically, but I'm sure you will have a fine day together and learn all you need to know.
You are all excused from Ontharr's chambers and you head to your own rooms in the inn, but before you separate Leosin once again encourages you to continue to make a good impression on Sir Ontharr, as his good opinion will serve you well in getting aid from many sources against the cultists. And with that, the day comes to an end. Your rooms are pleasant, with tight shutters and thick curtains blocking out the Companion's light, and yet somehow air still circulating through the room so that it does not feel stuffy. You get a good night's sleep and complete a long rest, and you wake in the morning and head down to breakfast, but a servant informs you that Sir Ontharr requests your company for the morning meal.
This day will take the form of a series of skill challenges; you need to end the day with four successes, more successes than failures, and no disastrous failures. If you are following Leosin's advice, you will have several opportunities to impress Ontharr Frume by engaging in activities that he suggests, and others that you can suggest. You already have some knowledge of the kind of things he enjoys, and also of the kind of things he values in other people. For each part of the skill challenge, you pick a skill and describe how you will employ it - based on the role-playing and how well I think it meets Ontharr's interests, you'll roll against DC with advantage, disadvantage or straight. It's up to you how you want to proceed, but let's start with breakfast...
You enter Sir Ontharr's chambers and find him dressed and ready to ride. He rises to welcome you and invites you to sit. Would anyone like to take the lead in the conversation over breakfast, and what will your approach be?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Soar performance: 17
When Leosin talks to us in the group at the end of the night, Soar will ask, "How do you know Ontharr? And what is his story?"
[OOC: for the overnight, Soar will tell the group she will be asking Kelemvor to help her prepare for a lot of different possible challenges tomorrow, suggesting the others do so as well. In order words, check your prepared spells, fam!]
Soar, trying to make Leosin happy and excited to learn more about Ontharr... will seek to charm him. In her experience, men like this enjoy talking and impressing others with tales of their heroism and bravery. So she'll kill two birds with one stone: learn about this larger-than-life figure, and make him like her and her friends by giving him an outlet to do what he enjoys.
"Sir Ontharr, thank you for the hospitality! It really is impressive. I can see you are not only a man of great renown, but also what I can only assume is a great warrior. You might be surprised to hear that I haven't heard tales of your deeds and battles, but please be assured: we who follow Kelemvor are usually kept cloistered and hidden away from the world and such fun stories. We barely hear about anything. It's unusual that someone like me is out and about."
"So can I ask you to do me a favor? Tell me the story of your favorite battle. I am eager to hear it!"
She even puts her chin in her gauntleted hands, elbows on the table, body perched forward, eyes wide and bright. The perfect (sincere) picture of a receptive and eager audience.
During the first meeting with Sir Ontharr the previous evening, Nate would've also talked about his specific capture by the band of cultists and that he had found himself in this mess only because of bad luck. He'd explain that is where and how he met Leosin. He'd explain how awesome it was when Soar, Elspeth and Jalt rescued him (and also Breena). He'd explain that he is new to this area of the world, and likely during this interaction won't be able to hide how insecure he is about himself. Nate is initially quite intimidated by Sir Ontharr, whether it be because of his large stature or his huge Greatsword. That being said, Nate has seen a good amount of death and horror in his life, and in the short time he's been alive he's been in quite some fierce battles and feels more battle tested each time. So his confidence is growing stronger each day. Especially with now fighting alongside his new companions.
Lastly, Nate would've expressed his anger and hatred for the dragon cult and ultimately wants them all to die, which is his driving force behind joining up with Soar, Elspeth and Jalt.
(I think Ontharr might have a keen interest in this deep hatred that Nate has... Nate did not get into too much detail about his childhood to Ontharr, but just more along the lines of him getting revenge on the cult. Like I'm trying to go with something similar to the force with Anakin in Starwars before he turned into Vader. Maybe Ontharr can see/feel/sense Nate's powerful energy (yes it's dark, but powerful nonetheless) and perhaps is curious by it and wants to try and contain it (or feed it....?) Perhaps it's unclear how Nate's future will play out, perhaps he will turn bad one day?
The next morning, Nate has a ready and determined look on his face, and will happily join Sir Ontharr and the others for breakfast. He will eagerly listen to his response to Soar's question about his favorite battle, and then will ask:
"So... may I ask what are your reasons for fighting the cult? Also.... can you explain to me what the hell that companion light is around this place? To be honest, I find it a distraction and it's quite unnatural..."
(Soar thanks for the reminder for the spells. I've completely changed Nate's around. He's no longer the animal loving druid that you met earlier. Nate's becoming... darker... as the more time goes by the more restless he is becoming as he wants revenge)
Okay, so for the meeting of the night before, Soar you find that Ontharr does enjoy the gruesome gory details, and enjoys the vividness of your descriptions.
Later in the meeting, he expresses some sympathy for Nate's treatment, and seems to agree with your passionate hatred of them. We must embrace the light and reject the darkness, and insist that others do the same. It is a fine thing to offer a chance of redemption, but not to pass it out like ale in a tavern. I doubt many of these cultists can be saved.
After the meeting has ended, Leosin tells you very little about his time with Ontharr, claiming that the tale would take days upon days to tell. However, he does leave you with one piece o advice. Ontharr plays the part of the buffoon well, but do not be fooled by it. It is not a deception, not exactly, but he has learned to make use of it to reveal the hearts of those around him. Above all, do not underestimate him - if he has rather... simplistic methods of judging character, it is because he has found they worked, and other methods did not. He has little use for guile or subtlety, and I will one day tell you the stories of why, if we all survive what this cult seeks to bring to us.
The following morning, you meet for breakfast. Soar, Ontharr enjoys telling you of a time he fought a fire giant, though not alone, and you notice that when he tells the tale he does not hog the limelight, but instead rejoices in telling the achievements and bravery of his companions just as much as his own.
Nate, as you ask your question about opposing the cultist, he seems about to answer with something light-hearted, but then you ask "what the hell that companion light is", and you see his face turn red and a scowl crosses it. Hell? And what would you know of hell, boy? The Companion is a blessing on this kingdom, and I... And why would I need a reason to oppose evil? What honourable man or woman would fail to do so, if given half a chance. This seems to have been a real faux pas; Nate, you can make an Insight check to get a better sense of what happened, and/or a Persuasion check with disadvantage to attempt to repair the damage - unless you wish to double down on it?
Can Soar intervene here to help Nate get out of this mess, by talking devotedly and sincerely for 9 straight minutes about how much she loves the Companion? That’s essentially what she would do...
(As a heads-up, after breakfast, the first main activity of the day will be a ride out into the forests around Elturel, and the second will be anything that you suggest that makes sense in a forest. As Soar and Nate have already each taken the lead on one activity, I suggest that Jalt or Elspeth take the lead on these next two. However, any of you are free to attempt to assist, after the activity leader has posted their idea. Sometimes assisting will affect advantage/disadvantage, and other times they will affect the DC for a success.)
OOC: I won't have time to RP the help Soar's giving about the Companion hiccup till later, but you can imagine what it's like. If Soar can take over and do the persuasion roll, she will happily do so...
Nate's definitely not going to take any help. He's not going to go back on his comment as for some reason he feels strong negativity towards the companion, and will try an Insight check to see if he can sense why the big guy got so riled up when Nate said "hell".
In the moment, Nate kind of stands up for himself for once in his life. Either that or he just doesn't care anymore. He looks at Soar, looks back at Ontharr, back at Soar, then back to Ontharr, and then says:
"Listen I've been through more pain, torture and despair than most mortal men have, and I'm sick of people like this cult trying to spread evil and hatred around the world. Like why on this earth would they want to grow and raise Black Dragon, yes I said Black Dragon eggs... if they weren't looking to spread doom? This group of people, and Dragons, and whatever the hell else they have in their ranks need to be destroyed. I know these type of people. They are selfish bastards. This Light and Dark nonsense does not concern me. I've seen people who were sworn to the Light betray their friends and families, and I've seen people who were sworn to the Dark do extremely honorable feats."
"Now can we get our horses and go train? I'd love to see some of your moves... perhaps you could show me some things with this here Spear. I've been trying to get better with it."
Yeah Soar is going to insist on helping convince the paladin of Torm that these potential goodly heroes do not have a mysterious irrational antipathy toward a singular beacon of life/guard against undeath - something she is pretty sure Nate as a Druid is really actually fine with? So she will help persuade Untharr as best she is able, whether Nate wants the help or not, making notes to have some conversations with Nate afterward.
The only reason Nate is a “druid“ to begin with is because he raised himself in the wild. This is the reason for his close bond with nature and nothing else . Nate does not share most if any of the same views as typical Druid when it comes to religious sort of things as well as nature based prophecies and things like that. Yes, he revers nature above all, but only for the selfish reason of it being main power source of his magic. Nate is not a Druid who “worships” nature and animals. Nate doesn’t hate undead creatures more than the next class. Nate’s upbringing has trumped the cookie cutter druid characteristics that you mentioned. Yet he’s still a Druid through and through.
So... Nate feels there is a break in the equilibrium of light and dark with this companion and is most definitely not fine with it.
((ooc: busy day, sorry about being late! thanks for reminding me to check my spells too)
Elspeth sits down to enjoy her food at the breakfast table, and while she mostly stays quiet she keeps an eye on the conversation at hand at all times. Elspeth will attempt to prove herself an avid listener, if nothing else, during breakfast, not being particularly verbally eloquent, and she doesn't put much effort into charming the knight, choosing instead to speak her thoughts truthfully. She does, however, do her best to smooth ruffle feathers, drawing away the attention of Nate.
"You've been a tremendous help to our missions, Nate. I remember when we first met, you helped us rescue the other prisoners. Without your help we would have had much more trouble against the cultists."She leans back, and adds. "Perhaps if we have some time today we'll be able to see how your and mine abilities have grown."
She'd then switch to asking Sir Onthaar more about the Companion. "I'm afraid I've come from a long way away, and dreadfully unaware of the history of your city. Is it right to assume the Companion is a divine guardian of this Kingdom? I would love to learn more about how such an arrangement came to be, if you'd be willing to share."
Nate, with your Insight check you get a real sense that you have offended Ontharr by the way you spoke of the Companion, and that it is held in reverence by the people of Elturgard, Ontharr included. As a stranger who has not even spent one night in the city, your glib dismissal of it as an 'unnatural distraction' is offensive and, with an insight roll that high, you get the sense that Ontharr believes you are deliberately trying to insult him. However, you don't get any particular sense of why the word 'hell' offended him so much, only that it did.
In response to your words, he replies. I have also seen the servants of the Light fail, and those who serve the Dark behave honourably. And yet I do not feel the need to walk into another man's home and insult it, like a petulant child. He shakes his head, and the anger seems to fade from him. You are very much a child, and I am sorry for what you have suffered, lad. But I suggest strongly that you hold you tongue today, and listen before blurting out whatever foolishness is on your mind.
He turns to the others, his mood definitely worse. He does not respond to Soar's requests to learn about his battles. As the meal ends, he perks up a little as Elspeth asks about the Companion. Let us speak as we ride. You have horses, I believe? Leosin's beasts? He has a fine eye for them, I've always found. And he haggles like he's been trading for forty years, I hope you have a chance to see that one day. His mood improving, you head to the stables.
You ride south towards the forest. Elspeth, Soar and Jalt, you ride with him and listen as he speaks of the Companion, the magical sun that was a gift, some say from Torm, others say from all the Gods. Some decades ago, when Elturgard was not yet a kingdom, the city of Elturel fell under the rule of a man who was in secret leader of a pack of vampires who feasted on the blood of the citizens. The Companion, which harms and kills the undead, appeared one day in the city and freed it from its enslavement to the undead, and so it is revered by all, especially those old enough to remember those times. Beyond that, little is understood about it, but it seems to be Divine in origin. Sir Ontharr's mood gets better and better as he tells the story.
For the purposes of the skill challenge, I'd like to hear how Elspeth responds to the story - this is mainly her attempt to smooth things over with Sir Ontharr. That will then be a Persuasion roll - please roll at advantage, but if I decide you don't get advantage I'll just take the first roll. Jalt or Soar can also assist.
Nate, Sir Ontharr's squire Binden is keeping you back away from Ontharr. Best give him time to get his mind on other things. Otherwise Benden ignores you.
Once Nate realizes the impact of his statements about the companion had on the knight, he cracks an ever so small smile to himself. While he was not trying to intentionally insult Ontharr, his lack of social skills and ques along for his hatred for the cult made him blurt out those close-minded, inconsiderate statements (like Nate always does). With Ontharr's subsequent reaction and obvious blatant worship of this companion thing, Nate now knows how much this Knight and everyone else in this city of Elturel is obsessed with the companion and will store this away, perhaps being able to strategically use it as leverage, another day. Nate's opinion of the Knight and everyone in this town has decreased significantly as he kind of thinks they are all nuts for worshiping this ball of light. "Apologies, great Sir Ontharr. I meant no offence."
Sensing that he's blown the morning outing for himself given Ontharr's reaction, he will ask him one more thing before they part ways:
"Sir Ontharr, I've heard that the companion protects the city from undeath.... Will it protect the city from a Black Dragon? How about a family of them?"
Nate looks to Soar, Jalt and Elspeth with a listless face "Have fun you guys."
Since Nate didn't hear Ontharr tell his story of the companion during the outing, Nate is determined to find out more about this thing. Nate will then turn to the squire.
"Hi... Binden, is it? (purposefully mispronouncing his name in an attempt to get his attention and get him talking). I'm Nate. Seems I've upset Sir Ontharr. Can you tell me more about the companion? I am new here and I think I might've started on the wrong foot..."
Nate thinks the squire is also nuts by association, but will listen to his response to get a better idea of what's up with the ball of light.
Jalt will assist Elspeth. Upon hearing the story Jalt picks out the part about the Companion being a gift from the gods. Some heretic will speak about how petty the gods are. But Ive only known them to be benevolent. The gift of the Companion is a sign of their divine presence. And it is not lost on me that they have chosen to protect this city from the cruelty of the nature of the undead. I can feel their divinity present in the Companion and the sense of security it brings to all the people who live here.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
When Nate tells Soar, Jalt, and Elspeth to have fun, she just looks at him in wonderment, utterly incapable of understanding what's going through his mind.
She will also help as much as she can to improve his mood, by channelling the way she felt when she first saw the Companion, back with Kanna the guard. She's ready for anything.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elspeth will listen intently to Sir Ontharr's tale, asking questions during pauses for clarification now and then. "The undead numbers ebb and flow, but never truly goes away."She laments, "But it is good that you have a defender against such unnatural creatures. I have seen many signs of your kingdom's prosperity in travelling through these lands. I take it this is thanks to the dedication of your people as much as the presence of the Companion?" Elspeth doesn't think much of the divine, feeling that it doesn't have much practical use in everyday life, but nevertheless is impressed by how the companion is able to destroy the presence of the undead.
Elspeth and Jalt, you feel as though Sir Ontharr is enjoying the conversation with you, and talking of the Companion. You've a practical side, he says to Elspeth, and you are a fellow of great faith, I see, he says to Jalt. It's a good combination in an adventuring party. You'll keep each other in line, and that's what all adventurers need some time. I speak from experience. He laughs, seeming to recover his good mood.
You arrive in a pleasant woods, with well-trodden paths that the horses seem to find familiar. Sir Ontharr stops in a large clearing. Well, we're here now. A pleasant ride after all, I think. What shall we do now?
(One of you can suggest a suitable forest- or countryside-based activity, and another to support.)
Nate, you've been in conversation wide Binden, who notices your mispronunciation of his name and scowls. You're real good with people, aren't you. Yes, of course you've upset him. Look, the constant light isn't loved by everyone, but the Companion keeps us safe from undead and reminds us that the Gods were merciful and stepped in to help us. This is a city with strong faith, because we see the Companion every day and it reminds us, you know? So making light of it... Look. Just, don't talk to Sir Ontharr about it again. You'll just get him riled up. And don't think you need to keep talking to me either, Natty.
A good tale, and well told, Ontharr says finally. Soar and Elspeth have taken up much of the telling, with Jalt and Nate chipping in occasionally. Soar, your descriptions of the combat and the beheadings of the cultists do indeed seem to impress Ontharr most, and although he allows you to tell the tale in the manner you like, after each battle description he stops you and asks specific questions about your technique and choices during the battle - you learn quickly that he is an experienced and knowledgeable fighter and probably an experience teacher as well. Make a Performance check, with advantage because of the topic.
As the story ends, Leosin says quietly: You know that we will need aid in this matter. They are, I judge, a suitable group and worthy of our trust.
Ontharr seems to think for a moment, and then nods. Perhaps. But you know my ways well enough, Leosin. And you have spent some time with these folks - been rescued by them, despite your protestations. I have not, and do not know them, or not yet at least.
Perhaps you can find some time in your busy schedule tomorrow then?
I'm sure I can, Ontharr replies, grinning. I had planned to ride out - perhaps you would all care to join me?
I'm afraid I must tend to my messages, Leosin says apologetically, but I'm sure you will have a fine day together and learn all you need to know.
You are all excused from Ontharr's chambers and you head to your own rooms in the inn, but before you separate Leosin once again encourages you to continue to make a good impression on Sir Ontharr, as his good opinion will serve you well in getting aid from many sources against the cultists. And with that, the day comes to an end. Your rooms are pleasant, with tight shutters and thick curtains blocking out the Companion's light, and yet somehow air still circulating through the room so that it does not feel stuffy. You get a good night's sleep and complete a long rest, and you wake in the morning and head down to breakfast, but a servant informs you that Sir Ontharr requests your company for the morning meal.
This day will take the form of a series of skill challenges; you need to end the day with four successes, more successes than failures, and no disastrous failures. If you are following Leosin's advice, you will have several opportunities to impress Ontharr Frume by engaging in activities that he suggests, and others that you can suggest. You already have some knowledge of the kind of things he enjoys, and also of the kind of things he values in other people. For each part of the skill challenge, you pick a skill and describe how you will employ it - based on the role-playing and how well I think it meets Ontharr's interests, you'll roll against DC with advantage, disadvantage or straight. It's up to you how you want to proceed, but let's start with breakfast...
You enter Sir Ontharr's chambers and find him dressed and ready to ride. He rises to welcome you and invites you to sit. Would anyone like to take the lead in the conversation over breakfast, and what will your approach be?
Soar performance: 17
When Leosin talks to us in the group at the end of the night, Soar will ask, "How do you know Ontharr? And what is his story?"
[OOC: for the overnight, Soar will tell the group she will be asking Kelemvor to help her prepare for a lot of different possible challenges tomorrow, suggesting the others do so as well. In order words, check your prepared spells, fam!]
Soar, trying to make Leosin happy and excited to learn more about Ontharr... will seek to charm him. In her experience, men like this enjoy talking and impressing others with tales of their heroism and bravery. So she'll kill two birds with one stone: learn about this larger-than-life figure, and make him like her and her friends by giving him an outlet to do what he enjoys.
"Sir Ontharr, thank you for the hospitality! It really is impressive. I can see you are not only a man of great renown, but also what I can only assume is a great warrior. You might be surprised to hear that I haven't heard tales of your deeds and battles, but please be assured: we who follow Kelemvor are usually kept cloistered and hidden away from the world and such fun stories. We barely hear about anything. It's unusual that someone like me is out and about."
"So can I ask you to do me a favor? Tell me the story of your favorite battle. I am eager to hear it!"
She even puts her chin in her gauntleted hands, elbows on the table, body perched forward, eyes wide and bright. The perfect (sincere) picture of a receptive and eager audience.
During the first meeting with Sir Ontharr the previous evening, Nate would've also talked about his specific capture by the band of cultists and that he had found himself in this mess only because of bad luck. He'd explain that is where and how he met Leosin. He'd explain how awesome it was when Soar, Elspeth and Jalt rescued him (and also Breena). He'd explain that he is new to this area of the world, and likely during this interaction won't be able to hide how insecure he is about himself. Nate is initially quite intimidated by Sir Ontharr, whether it be because of his large stature or his huge Greatsword. That being said, Nate has seen a good amount of death and horror in his life, and in the short time he's been alive he's been in quite some fierce battles and feels more battle tested each time. So his confidence is growing stronger each day. Especially with now fighting alongside his new companions.
Lastly, Nate would've expressed his anger and hatred for the dragon cult and ultimately wants them all to die, which is his driving force behind joining up with Soar, Elspeth and Jalt.
(I think Ontharr might have a keen interest in this deep hatred that Nate has... Nate did not get into too much detail about his childhood to Ontharr, but just more along the lines of him getting revenge on the cult. Like I'm trying to go with something similar to the force with Anakin in Starwars before he turned into Vader. Maybe Ontharr can see/feel/sense Nate's powerful energy (yes it's dark, but powerful nonetheless) and perhaps is curious by it and wants to try and contain it (or feed it....?) Perhaps it's unclear how Nate's future will play out, perhaps he will turn bad one day?
The next morning, Nate has a ready and determined look on his face, and will happily join Sir Ontharr and the others for breakfast. He will eagerly listen to his response to Soar's question about his favorite battle, and then will ask:
"So... may I ask what are your reasons for fighting the cult? Also.... can you explain to me what the hell that companion light is around this place? To be honest, I find it a distraction and it's quite unnatural..."
(Soar thanks for the reminder for the spells. I've completely changed Nate's around. He's no longer the animal loving druid that you met earlier. Nate's becoming... darker... as the more time goes by the more restless he is becoming as he wants revenge)
Okay, so for the meeting of the night before, Soar you find that Ontharr does enjoy the gruesome gory details, and enjoys the vividness of your descriptions.
Later in the meeting, he expresses some sympathy for Nate's treatment, and seems to agree with your passionate hatred of them. We must embrace the light and reject the darkness, and insist that others do the same. It is a fine thing to offer a chance of redemption, but not to pass it out like ale in a tavern. I doubt many of these cultists can be saved.
After the meeting has ended, Leosin tells you very little about his time with Ontharr, claiming that the tale would take days upon days to tell. However, he does leave you with one piece o advice. Ontharr plays the part of the buffoon well, but do not be fooled by it. It is not a deception, not exactly, but he has learned to make use of it to reveal the hearts of those around him. Above all, do not underestimate him - if he has rather... simplistic methods of judging character, it is because he has found they worked, and other methods did not. He has little use for guile or subtlety, and I will one day tell you the stories of why, if we all survive what this cult seeks to bring to us.
The following morning, you meet for breakfast. Soar, Ontharr enjoys telling you of a time he fought a fire giant, though not alone, and you notice that when he tells the tale he does not hog the limelight, but instead rejoices in telling the achievements and bravery of his companions just as much as his own.
Nate, as you ask your question about opposing the cultist, he seems about to answer with something light-hearted, but then you ask "what the hell that companion light is", and you see his face turn red and a scowl crosses it. Hell? And what would you know of hell, boy? The Companion is a blessing on this kingdom, and I... And why would I need a reason to oppose evil? What honourable man or woman would fail to do so, if given half a chance. This seems to have been a real faux pas; Nate, you can make an Insight check to get a better sense of what happened, and/or a Persuasion check with disadvantage to attempt to repair the damage - unless you wish to double down on it?
Can Soar intervene here to help Nate get out of this mess, by talking devotedly and sincerely for 9 straight minutes about how much she loves the Companion? That’s essentially what she would do...
Soar can help, in effect removing Nate's disadvantage for the Persuasion roll, because sincerity and devotion definitely do appeal to Ontharr.
(As a heads-up, after breakfast, the first main activity of the day will be a ride out into the forests around Elturel, and the second will be anything that you suggest that makes sense in a forest. As Soar and Nate have already each taken the lead on one activity, I suggest that Jalt or Elspeth take the lead on these next two. However, any of you are free to attempt to assist, after the activity leader has posted their idea. Sometimes assisting will affect advantage/disadvantage, and other times they will affect the DC for a success.)
OOC: I won't have time to RP the help Soar's giving about the Companion hiccup till later, but you can imagine what it's like. If Soar can take over and do the persuasion roll, she will happily do so...
Nate's definitely not going to take any help. He's not going to go back on his comment as for some reason he feels strong negativity towards the companion, and will try an Insight check to see if he can sense why the big guy got so riled up when Nate said "hell".
In the moment, Nate kind of stands up for himself for once in his life. Either that or he just doesn't care anymore. He looks at Soar, looks back at Ontharr, back at Soar, then back to Ontharr, and then says:
"Listen I've been through more pain, torture and despair than most mortal men have, and I'm sick of people like this cult trying to spread evil and hatred around the world. Like why on this earth would they want to grow and raise Black Dragon, yes I said Black Dragon eggs... if they weren't looking to spread doom? This group of people, and Dragons, and whatever the hell else they have in their ranks need to be destroyed. I know these type of people. They are selfish bastards. This Light and Dark nonsense does not concern me. I've seen people who were sworn to the Light betray their friends and families, and I've seen people who were sworn to the Dark do extremely honorable feats."
"Now can we get our horses and go train? I'd love to see some of your moves... perhaps you could show me some things with this here Spear. I've been trying to get better with it."
Insight 20
And then Nate's own Persuasion check with disadvantage to see if Ontharr can get over his fit about the companion comment and go kill things. 15
Ugh, I forgot the disadvantage, here's the second Persuasion roll. Sorry! 3
Yeah Soar is going to insist on helping convince the paladin of Torm that these potential goodly heroes do not have a mysterious irrational antipathy toward a singular beacon of life/guard against undeath - something she is pretty sure Nate as a Druid is really actually fine with? So she will help persuade Untharr as best she is able, whether Nate wants the help or not, making notes to have some conversations with Nate afterward.
The only reason Nate is a “druid“ to begin with is because he raised himself in the wild. This is the reason for his close bond with nature and nothing else . Nate does not share most if any of the same views as typical Druid when it comes to religious sort of things as well as nature based prophecies and things like that. Yes, he revers nature above all, but only for the selfish reason of it being main power source of his magic. Nate is not a Druid who “worships” nature and animals. Nate doesn’t hate undead creatures more than the next class. Nate’s upbringing has trumped the cookie cutter druid characteristics that you mentioned. Yet he’s still a Druid through and through.
So... Nate feels there is a break in the equilibrium of light and dark with this companion and is most definitely not fine with it.
((ooc: busy day, sorry about being late! thanks for reminding me to check my spells too)
Elspeth sits down to enjoy her food at the breakfast table, and while she mostly stays quiet she keeps an eye on the conversation at hand at all times. Elspeth will attempt to prove herself an avid listener, if nothing else, during breakfast, not being particularly verbally eloquent, and she doesn't put much effort into charming the knight, choosing instead to speak her thoughts truthfully. She does, however, do her best to smooth ruffle feathers, drawing away the attention of Nate.
"You've been a tremendous help to our missions, Nate. I remember when we first met, you helped us rescue the other prisoners. Without your help we would have had much more trouble against the cultists." She leans back, and adds. "Perhaps if we have some time today we'll be able to see how your and mine abilities have grown."
She'd then switch to asking Sir Onthaar more about the Companion. "I'm afraid I've come from a long way away, and dreadfully unaware of the history of your city. Is it right to assume the Companion is a divine guardian of this Kingdom? I would love to learn more about how such an arrangement came to be, if you'd be willing to share."
Nate, with your Insight check you get a real sense that you have offended Ontharr by the way you spoke of the Companion, and that it is held in reverence by the people of Elturgard, Ontharr included. As a stranger who has not even spent one night in the city, your glib dismissal of it as an 'unnatural distraction' is offensive and, with an insight roll that high, you get the sense that Ontharr believes you are deliberately trying to insult him. However, you don't get any particular sense of why the word 'hell' offended him so much, only that it did.
In response to your words, he replies. I have also seen the servants of the Light fail, and those who serve the Dark behave honourably. And yet I do not feel the need to walk into another man's home and insult it, like a petulant child. He shakes his head, and the anger seems to fade from him. You are very much a child, and I am sorry for what you have suffered, lad. But I suggest strongly that you hold you tongue today, and listen before blurting out whatever foolishness is on your mind.
He turns to the others, his mood definitely worse. He does not respond to Soar's requests to learn about his battles. As the meal ends, he perks up a little as Elspeth asks about the Companion. Let us speak as we ride. You have horses, I believe? Leosin's beasts? He has a fine eye for them, I've always found. And he haggles like he's been trading for forty years, I hope you have a chance to see that one day. His mood improving, you head to the stables.
You ride south towards the forest. Elspeth, Soar and Jalt, you ride with him and listen as he speaks of the Companion, the magical sun that was a gift, some say from Torm, others say from all the Gods. Some decades ago, when Elturgard was not yet a kingdom, the city of Elturel fell under the rule of a man who was in secret leader of a pack of vampires who feasted on the blood of the citizens. The Companion, which harms and kills the undead, appeared one day in the city and freed it from its enslavement to the undead, and so it is revered by all, especially those old enough to remember those times. Beyond that, little is understood about it, but it seems to be Divine in origin. Sir Ontharr's mood gets better and better as he tells the story.
For the purposes of the skill challenge, I'd like to hear how Elspeth responds to the story - this is mainly her attempt to smooth things over with Sir Ontharr. That will then be a Persuasion roll - please roll at advantage, but if I decide you don't get advantage I'll just take the first roll. Jalt or Soar can also assist.
Nate, Sir Ontharr's squire Binden is keeping you back away from Ontharr. Best give him time to get his mind on other things. Otherwise Benden ignores you.
Once Nate realizes the impact of his statements about the companion had on the knight, he cracks an ever so small smile to himself. While he was not trying to intentionally insult Ontharr, his lack of social skills and ques along for his hatred for the cult made him blurt out those close-minded, inconsiderate statements (like Nate always does). With Ontharr's subsequent reaction and obvious blatant worship of this companion thing, Nate now knows how much this Knight and everyone else in this city of Elturel is obsessed with the companion and will store this away, perhaps being able to strategically use it as leverage, another day. Nate's opinion of the Knight and everyone in this town has decreased significantly as he kind of thinks they are all nuts for worshiping this ball of light. "Apologies, great Sir Ontharr. I meant no offence."
Sensing that he's blown the morning outing for himself given Ontharr's reaction, he will ask him one more thing before they part ways:
"Sir Ontharr, I've heard that the companion protects the city from undeath.... Will it protect the city from a Black Dragon? How about a family of them?"
Nate looks to Soar, Jalt and Elspeth with a listless face "Have fun you guys."
Since Nate didn't hear Ontharr tell his story of the companion during the outing, Nate is determined to find out more about this thing. Nate will then turn to the squire.
"Hi... Binden, is it? (purposefully mispronouncing his name in an attempt to get his attention and get him talking). I'm Nate. Seems I've upset Sir Ontharr. Can you tell me more about the companion? I am new here and I think I might've started on the wrong foot..."
Nate thinks the squire is also nuts by association, but will listen to his response to get a better idea of what's up with the ball of light.
Sorry I forgot to mention - what does the squire Benden look like? His appearance... Human?
Jalt will assist Elspeth. Upon hearing the story Jalt picks out the part about the Companion being a gift from the gods. Some heretic will speak about how petty the gods are. But Ive only known them to be benevolent. The gift of the Companion is a sign of their divine presence. And it is not lost on me that they have chosen to protect this city from the cruelty of the nature of the undead. I can feel their divinity present in the Companion and the sense of security it brings to all the people who live here.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
When Nate tells Soar, Jalt, and Elspeth to have fun, she just looks at him in wonderment, utterly incapable of understanding what's going through his mind.
She will also help as much as she can to improve his mood, by channelling the way she felt when she first saw the Companion, back with Kanna the guard. She's ready for anything.
Elspeth will listen intently to Sir Ontharr's tale, asking questions during pauses for clarification now and then. "The undead numbers ebb and flow, but never truly goes away." She laments, "But it is good that you have a defender against such unnatural creatures. I have seen many signs of your kingdom's prosperity in travelling through these lands. I take it this is thanks to the dedication of your people as much as the presence of the Companion?" Elspeth doesn't think much of the divine, feeling that it doesn't have much practical use in everyday life, but nevertheless is impressed by how the companion is able to destroy the presence of the undead.
Persuasion: 5
Elspeth and Jalt, you feel as though Sir Ontharr is enjoying the conversation with you, and talking of the Companion. You've a practical side, he says to Elspeth, and you are a fellow of great faith, I see, he says to Jalt. It's a good combination in an adventuring party. You'll keep each other in line, and that's what all adventurers need some time. I speak from experience. He laughs, seeming to recover his good mood.
You arrive in a pleasant woods, with well-trodden paths that the horses seem to find familiar. Sir Ontharr stops in a large clearing. Well, we're here now. A pleasant ride after all, I think. What shall we do now?
(One of you can suggest a suitable forest- or countryside-based activity, and another to support.)
Nate, you've been in conversation wide Binden, who notices your mispronunciation of his name and scowls. You're real good with people, aren't you. Yes, of course you've upset him. Look, the constant light isn't loved by everyone, but the Companion keeps us safe from undead and reminds us that the Gods were merciful and stepped in to help us. This is a city with strong faith, because we see the Companion every day and it reminds us, you know? So making light of it... Look. Just, don't talk to Sir Ontharr about it again. You'll just get him riled up. And don't think you need to keep talking to me either, Natty.