"Ohh... BINDEN... with an I... right, ok, got it. Sorry about that. Thanks for telling me more about the companion. So a god put it there to protect the city from the undead? What does it actually do to the undead? Burn them? I won't talk about it with Sir Ontharr again, trust me. I'm on the good team ok? I'm just... well, just not a religions type I guess. The companion thing just freaked me out when I saw it and it seems everyone in this city is bonkers over it. It is quite an eyesore you even admitted it not everyone loves it. Do you believe in it? I didn't mean to offend anyone... I was just curious and well sometimes I don't express myself very well. I tend to get into these situations more often than not..."
"So do you know anything about the dragon worshiping cult that Sir Ontharr and Leosin are after?"
"Do you think you could show me around the city a little bit? Maybe tell me more about the companion? Also... there must be some pretty amazing magical shops in this city, yes? Maybe I could spend some money and help the city out! You have my word I won't talk about the companion to Sir Ontharr ever again. Or, I'd also be up for a workout... you look pretty fit, would you like to spar a bit?"
So, Nate is going to try and keep talking with Binden, asking him these things and also trying to get a better insight as to if he really believes in the companion, has faith in it, believes in its power, etc. He will also ask him about the cult to see if he knows more about that. Then Nate will try and get Binden to take him around the city for a bit, to kill time, and also if he's lucky to take him to a magic shop. If not, Nate will try and get him to at least work out or something to pass the time while the others are out on their excursion with the knight.
Let me know what I need to roll, if anything. Also, can you let me know Binden's description please - thanks!
Nate, please make a Persuasion check. It's with disadvantage because Binden has already said that he doesn't want to keep talking to you, but we'll see how it goes... :)
Binden is a human, about twenty years old, medium height with short brown hair. He's wearing riding leathers and carrying a longsword strapped over his back. He has an intent look on his face, and doesn't seem to be permanently unhappy, just unhappy at the moment.
Being out on the road on these majestic beasts, I would really like to let loose. Jalt says. Perhaps we can race the horses, of course after getting their permission.He motions for Elspeth to [/spell] Speak with Animals [/spell] to see if they were up to racing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Soar looks around at the clearing in the forest, and says, "Sir Ontharr, do people hunt in these woods? I've been looking for things like foxes as we ride and haven't seen any. Maybe we could make a game of it -- whoever finds a fox first wins. Or this is a wide-open clearing and not too different from our training circles for unarmed combat -- maybe a friendly wrestling match? To be honest, I'd like to hear what you can do to help us oppose the dragon cult, but I get the sense you're trying to learn more about us first. What more would you like to know?"
A race... sounds like a splendid idea, Ontharr replies. We should get out of the forest, though, and onto the grasslands - safer for the horses. He begins to lead you at a trot through the forest and out the other side.
On the way, Soar asks her question and Ontharr thinks a moment before answering. I suppose Leosin told you to get on my good side. He chuckles. That man knows me a little too well, truth be told. In any case, I appreciate the honest question - I like directness, but most of all, I want to believe that you have the strength and integrity to stand against this cult and not falter. You may think that you do, and you have shown some strength already, but... well... you are all very young. I have seen such as you before; some rise up and do great things, and others fall, either to defeat or to an evil path. I ask you to understand that I am old, and I have sent many eager young men and women to their deaths, and I do not like it. I would rather spare us both that. As to what I can do to aid, perhaps little, directly. But slowly, very slowly, an alliance is coming together, a network of people who have contacts and resources and can stand against many threats, and I hope this one too.
Ontharr holds up his gauntleted hands, and you see on each of the palms a symbol of a hand grasping a sword:
Tell me, he says. Do any of you recognise this symbol?
You can all make a History check if you wish; Jalt and Soar will have advantage.
Binden turns to you, and seems about to say something unpleasant, but then he thinks better of it. He turns back to face the front for a few seconds, then turns again to the side to look at you. Nate..I guess... it's okay that you have questions. It's good, I suppose. But almost everything you say comes across as an insult. I suppose that makes sense, if you were... Okay. Fine. Listen. It's not okay to say that people are 'bonkers' over the Companion or that it's an 'eyesore'. It's rude, and suggests that we're fools to revere it as we do. If that really is your opinion, then please, in Torm's name, keep it to yourself while you're in Elturgard. Because it won't win you any friends here.
During the next twenty minutes, as you all gently trot out of the forest, Binden, with the air of someone who is trying hard to do his duty and behave honourably, tries to coach Nate on how to speak to people in general, and in Elturel in particular, without rubbing them up the wrong way. In particular, he advises listening to what they say and respecting their wishes. Binden outright refuses to discuss the cult or to give any more information about the Companion or the city. Nate, if I send you somewhere across the city and you insult someone and get arrested and locked up, it will be on my conscience.
Sir Ontharr continues. This is the symbol of the Order of the Gauntlet. We exist across the Sword Coast, other parts of Faerun too. And we exist to face down evil and destroy it. We have resources, connections, but more than anything, we have the will to oppose the darkness and defeat it. One of our greatest founders said: "Bravery isn’t fighting the dragon out there—it is fighting the dragon within." Wise words, at a time like this. Those who will not falter when they face the dragon, the darkness, the demon. And it is through faith that such strength finds a focus. I believe this, and have seen it proven right time and time again.
He lowers his hand, and takes up the reigns of his horse again. So, in answer to your question, I am not clear what I can offer you because I do not yet understand the nature of the threat. But if you are worthy, the Order will stand with you. You have cleared the forest as he says this, and he motions his horse into a gallop. A race, you said? Then let us race. To the city gate!
Jalt, you recall seeing the same symbol worn by a few of the Platinum Cadre, and openly. You did ask one once what it meant, but you were still young and the paladin in question simply replied that you would learn more when you were ready. For some reason, the topic never came up again.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
No worries!
Can Soar try to race him back to the city gates? She'll be happy to get closer to The Companion. She's not great on horses, but she'll rely on her work with Corala to win... and she'll completely forget that she can speak to animals. Animal handling: 8
(Oh wow my apologies... the way I initially read it, Nate and Binden did not even accompany the others on the ride at all. I totally thought that Binden was to keep Nate back, as in not even go on the ride at all and stay back and wait for the others to return from their excursion. Some of my posts earlier might make more sense now knowing that I thought we stayed back altogether)
Nate's History check (although I prefer the way I read into it with Nate and Binden not even accompanying the others on the ride. Let me know your thoughts on that. It could've been like a "time-out" for him.....)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elspeth pulls back a little before they exit the forest in full. She's not sure how the knight would react to magic being cast, so under the guise of patting Netta on the neck, she discreetly casts speak with animals, murmuring a gentle encourage to the horse to ask it to go as fast as it can, as she'd really like to win this race if possible. (Persuasion check, I assume? 16)
Nate and Elspeth, you basically know as much as Soar, but from different sources of course. It's probably just come up at some point during your travels. :)
Elspeth, I'll count that Persuasion check as a success, so please roll for Animal handling with advantage. Then we can resolve the race.
(Yes, Nate and Binden were following the others the whole way, out of earshot but close enough to see and be seen, until you all stopped and gathered together a bit.)
(She will, yes, and with the roll you've already made. I was waiting for anyone else who wanted to join, and now for Elspeth's second roll. Will try to push forward tonight.)
Nate mentally rolls his eyes.
"Ohh... BINDEN... with an I... right, ok, got it. Sorry about that. Thanks for telling me more about the companion. So a god put it there to protect the city from the undead? What does it actually do to the undead? Burn them? I won't talk about it with Sir Ontharr again, trust me. I'm on the good team ok? I'm just... well, just not a religions type I guess. The companion thing just freaked me out when I saw it and it seems everyone in this city is bonkers over it. It is quite an eyesore you even admitted it not everyone loves it. Do you believe in it? I didn't mean to offend anyone... I was just curious and well sometimes I don't express myself very well. I tend to get into these situations more often than not..."
"So do you know anything about the dragon worshiping cult that Sir Ontharr and Leosin are after?"
"Do you think you could show me around the city a little bit? Maybe tell me more about the companion? Also... there must be some pretty amazing magical shops in this city, yes? Maybe I could spend some money and help the city out! You have my word I won't talk about the companion to Sir Ontharr ever again. Or, I'd also be up for a workout... you look pretty fit, would you like to spar a bit?"
So, Nate is going to try and keep talking with Binden, asking him these things and also trying to get a better insight as to if he really believes in the companion, has faith in it, believes in its power, etc. He will also ask him about the cult to see if he knows more about that. Then Nate will try and get Binden to take him around the city for a bit, to kill time, and also if he's lucky to take him to a magic shop. If not, Nate will try and get him to at least work out or something to pass the time while the others are out on their excursion with the knight.
Let me know what I need to roll, if anything. Also, can you let me know Binden's description please - thanks!
Nate, please make a Persuasion check. It's with disadvantage because Binden has already said that he doesn't want to keep talking to you, but we'll see how it goes... :)
Binden is a human, about twenty years old, medium height with short brown hair. He's wearing riding leathers and carrying a longsword strapped over his back. He has an intent look on his face, and doesn't seem to be permanently unhappy, just unhappy at the moment.
Being out on the road on these majestic beasts, I would really like to let loose. Jalt says. Perhaps we can race the horses, of course after getting their permission. He motions for Elspeth to [/spell] Speak with Animals [/spell] to see if they were up to racing.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Soar looks around at the clearing in the forest, and says, "Sir Ontharr, do people hunt in these woods? I've been looking for things like foxes as we ride and haven't seen any. Maybe we could make a game of it -- whoever finds a fox first wins. Or this is a wide-open clearing and not too different from our training circles for unarmed combat -- maybe a friendly wrestling match? To be honest, I'd like to hear what you can do to help us oppose the dragon cult, but I get the sense you're trying to learn more about us first. What more would you like to know?"
A race... sounds like a splendid idea, Ontharr replies. We should get out of the forest, though, and onto the grasslands - safer for the horses. He begins to lead you at a trot through the forest and out the other side.
On the way, Soar asks her question and Ontharr thinks a moment before answering. I suppose Leosin told you to get on my good side. He chuckles. That man knows me a little too well, truth be told. In any case, I appreciate the honest question - I like directness, but most of all, I want to believe that you have the strength and integrity to stand against this cult and not falter. You may think that you do, and you have shown some strength already, but... well... you are all very young. I have seen such as you before; some rise up and do great things, and others fall, either to defeat or to an evil path. I ask you to understand that I am old, and I have sent many eager young men and women to their deaths, and I do not like it. I would rather spare us both that. As to what I can do to aid, perhaps little, directly. But slowly, very slowly, an alliance is coming together, a network of people who have contacts and resources and can stand against many threats, and I hope this one too.
Ontharr holds up his gauntleted hands, and you see on each of the palms a symbol of a hand grasping a sword:
Tell me, he says. Do any of you recognise this symbol?
You can all make a History check if you wish; Jalt and Soar will have advantage.
History: 10
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
History: 16
Nate's Persuasion check with disadvantage: 1
Nate, that's just enough. :)
Binden turns to you, and seems about to say something unpleasant, but then he thinks better of it. He turns back to face the front for a few seconds, then turns again to the side to look at you. Nate..I guess... it's okay that you have questions. It's good, I suppose. But almost everything you say comes across as an insult. I suppose that makes sense, if you were... Okay. Fine. Listen. It's not okay to say that people are 'bonkers' over the Companion or that it's an 'eyesore'. It's rude, and suggests that we're fools to revere it as we do. If that really is your opinion, then please, in Torm's name, keep it to yourself while you're in Elturgard. Because it won't win you any friends here.
During the next twenty minutes, as you all gently trot out of the forest, Binden, with the air of someone who is trying hard to do his duty and behave honourably, tries to coach Nate on how to speak to people in general, and in Elturel in particular, without rubbing them up the wrong way. In particular, he advises listening to what they say and respecting their wishes. Binden outright refuses to discuss the cult or to give any more information about the Companion or the city. Nate, if I send you somewhere across the city and you insult someone and get arrested and locked up, it will be on my conscience.
(Do we recognize the symbol?)
Sir Ontharr continues. This is the symbol of the Order of the Gauntlet. We exist across the Sword Coast, other parts of Faerun too. And we exist to face down evil and destroy it. We have resources, connections, but more than anything, we have the will to oppose the darkness and defeat it. One of our greatest founders said: "Bravery isn’t fighting the dragon out there—it is fighting the dragon within." Wise words, at a time like this. Those who will not falter when they face the dragon, the darkness, the demon. And it is through faith that such strength finds a focus. I believe this, and have seen it proven right time and time again.
He lowers his hand, and takes up the reigns of his horse again. So, in answer to your question, I am not clear what I can offer you because I do not yet understand the nature of the threat. But if you are worthy, the Order will stand with you. You have cleared the forest as he says this, and he motions his horse into a gallop. A race, you said? Then let us race. To the city gate!
Jalt, you recall seeing the same symbol worn by a few of the Platinum Cadre, and openly. You did ask one once what it meant, but you were still young and the paladin in question simply replied that you would learn more when you were ready. For some reason, the topic never came up again.
Soar, you know rather more about the Order of the Gauntlet, and in fact you think you recall reading the quotation that Ontharr told you. You basically know all the information contained here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/appendix-c-the-five-factions#OrderoftheGauntlet\
Elspeth and Nate, you can make rolls as well if you wish - there are still some important points that Soar didn't know, but you might...
Yeah, sorry, it took a while to write all that. :)
No worries!
Can Soar try to race him back to the city gates? She'll be happy to get closer to The Companion. She's not great on horses, but she'll rely on her work with Corala to win... and she'll completely forget that she can speak to animals. Animal handling: 8
(Oh wow my apologies... the way I initially read it, Nate and Binden did not even accompany the others on the ride at all. I totally thought that Binden was to keep Nate back, as in not even go on the ride at all and stay back and wait for the others to return from their excursion. Some of my posts earlier might make more sense now knowing that I thought we stayed back altogether)
Nate's History check (although I prefer the way I read into it with Nate and Binden not even accompanying the others on the ride. Let me know your thoughts on that. It could've been like a "time-out" for him.....)
15
Elspeth pulls back a little before they exit the forest in full. She's not sure how the knight would react to magic being cast, so under the guise of patting Netta on the neck, she discreetly casts speak with animals, murmuring a gentle encourage to the horse to ask it to go as fast as it can, as she'd really like to win this race if possible. (Persuasion check, I assume? 16)
(history check: 15)
Nate and Elspeth, you basically know as much as Soar, but from different sources of course. It's probably just come up at some point during your travels. :)
Elspeth, I'll count that Persuasion check as a success, so please roll for Animal handling with advantage. Then we can resolve the race.
(Yes, Nate and Binden were following the others the whole way, out of earshot but close enough to see and be seen, until you all stopped and gathered together a bit.)
Soar also wanted to race - can she take part? Though I assume without advantage?
(She will, yes, and with the roll you've already made. I was waiting for anyone else who wanted to join, and now for Elspeth's second roll. Will try to push forward tonight.)
(Gotcha - thanks!)
Nate will only try and race if Binden also participates, because he doesn't want to get into trouble again.
If needed: Animal Handling 22