A small gnome with ink-stained hands walks meekly in librarian's robes. He is holding a large tome at his side and a large quill hovers at his side like an attentive secretary. "Greetings, I am Tobin, Librarian at the Blackstaff Academy of Waterdeep and more recently an adventurer with this august group." Looking around at all the tall and competent hardened adventurers around him he allows, "Although more like note-taker and historian is probably more accurate than adventurer."
Smiling, Tobin adds, "And breakfast sounds like a capital idea!"
The days wash over Soar. She's not great at keeping track of all the customs and minutiae of dragon negotiations, but she does manage to try to charm everyone she meets. On the second day she casts find steed while out on a walk and Candelabra the elk appears. She greets him and explains briefly where they are and what they are doing, and asks him to keep an eye out on anything odd as he grazes on the mountainsides.
On the third day, Soar smiles at Bazavur, for the first time in quite a long time. "We've met a lot of people. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. But being able to wake up every day and try? Getting another chance? That's my favorite thing. Let's go."
Soar is a tall half-elf, 5'11", with near-white hair gathered in a rough ponytail, and icy blue eyes. She steps down the path a bit noisily in her chainmail, booted feet awkward and kicking pebbles every now and then, which she quietly either apologizes to, apologizes for, or goodnaturedly swears at. She warns Bazavur and Tobin of the treacherous terrain ahead.
Her armor looks like it was scavenged from an orc marauder, though there are small mountain flowery vines woven through the chain links. A large battleaxe is at her side, similarly gnarly and ugly, and similarly bedecked with flora. She's got white scars from nicks and old wounds, some on her hands and some on her neck and face. A smile seems to be able to come easily to her, judging by her smile lines around her eyes and mouth, though a smile on her faace seems a bit awkward, and somehow new. She's pretty, under all that armor and even with the scars. Her voice is tired, a hint of roughness, though there's a light, musical quality to it underneath. A voice that's been used a lot lately, and a soul that is trying to rebuild.
"Resting, discussing, breakfasting, with allies? My new favorite thing. Hi there, my name is Soar Jestalle, your friendly neighborhood Doomguide. Friend of Tobin, and this fellow here. I'd love to tell you more. My friends tell me I talk a lot. I'd love to hear about you. And I'm happy to tell you about what the last year or so has brought us, and what we're trying to do about this cult, and Tiamat. I'll warn you, though. We tend to attract danger. We've lost a lot. Won some too. But the losses still sting."
The smile fades.
"No time like the present for a last chance, right?"
Elia is hanging back and letting you talk to each other, though she does appear to be listening and following the conversation.
She does respond to Aiwin's question; "The representatives of Waterdeep are making camp in a cave up the mountain. Perhaps I should leave you, and you get eat a meal together. Sharing food can be a good way to meet new friends."
When Soar says ‘and this fellow here’ Bazavur gives a curt nod and a wave of his hand. The emissaries of the high forest would see a bronze-scaled dragonborn standing just over six and half feet with piercingly light blue eyes. Adorned with simple clothes, a well worn set of scale mail armor and armed to the teeth.
At the mention of food, he chimes up with, “I would love a bite to eat. One can never have to much if you ask me.”
"I wish I could teleport,"Soar says. "Feel free to join us. I'm not a great cook, but we survive. While we walk, tell me about yourselves. Is the High Forest near the Misty Forest? We were just there. But Faerun is a big place. I call Waterdeep home."
She's fine to have a simple breakfast, once they arrive.
You walk back up to the cave where Soar, Bazavur and Tobin have been resting; it's empty now, as Jalt and Titus are busy with their diplomatic work for the day.
You sit down together to a meal of meats, breads and fruits that have been provided by the gnomes and others who work in service of the Council of Dragons. You talk, and as you talk you learn a little about each other, your missions, and your various histories with the Cult of the Dragon.
(Feel free to give a summarised version of what you say and what your character would want from this conversation; you can role-play in more detail if you wish, it's up to you.)
Aiwin just follows waiting for food and drink to be presented as they all share a meal "Varan and I grew up in the High Forest. Together, Varan and I explored the High Forest, uncovering mysteries and honing our instincts through childhood adventures. These escapades laid the foundation for our future roles as protectors of the woodlands. Our adventures extended beyond the familiar confines of the High Forest when Varan and I, along with Elenion and a rescued elven bard, thwarted a kobold threat. The tale echoed in Waterdeep, emphasizing unity beyond racial boundaries. Later, hired as guards for a merchant's courier, we faced a monstrous spider in Neverwinter Wood. Despite the challenges, we emerged victorious, though not without casualties. Donnabella, the human wizard, fell to the spider's poison but survived, marking a turning point in our journey. In a harrowing turn, Varan and I defended our elven tribe against the Cult of the Dragon. Chosen as emissaries, we embarked on a journey to seek counsel from the Council of Metallic Dragons. Our travels tested our physical prowess and determination, from dense woodlands to the rugged Greypeak Mountains. Driven by the responsibility to safeguard our tribe, we pressed on, facing challenges that would shape our destinies. Now we are here talking with you all." he says taking a bite of food "Also, no the Misty Forest is to the south of the High Forest."
Tobin will share his notes as well as make more notes as the others speak and add information. Unfortunately, he has not been with the group for long himself, so he really doesn't know too much more than his studies have revealed and the others have discussed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar, when the time is right, will give an abbreviated but unaltered version of what the party has been through since the attack on Greenest. Not too wordy, and nothing too personal (but basically the main points of what is in the campaign page).
Varan nods along with what everyone says as he takes in the information, "Y'all had quite the adventures yourselves. I suppose that now we know what is going on, the big question is; what our next move? Is the plan to go after these masks, or are there other matters that need attention first? Aiwin and I can send a letter back to the Elder Council lettin' them know what is goin' on, but I think were goin' to need each other's help for this problem." Varan takes a drink from his glass and chomps down on one of the fruits.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Soar listens more than she talks, and eats a her fill, but she replies to Varan's question, saying: "Adventure, indeed. Our next move, well, I'm not sure we know where any of these masks are anymore. The Cult has them all, as far as we know. If they keep them near the Well, near all of their armies and dragons and power, it will be hard to get them. We were hoping the metallic dragons knew more of what we could do, and would offer their help. Stopping the Cult in whatever they're trying to do will be less suicidal if the metallic dragons can occupy the chromatic dragons, and our armies can occupy theirs. But that is still an open question. The other part of this is our effectiveness. Certainly mine. We had gained some items, some resources along our 'adventure' but after our failure, we don't have those anymore. I feel less capable, though I still have some tricks, and my faith, and I can ruin a cultist's day with even this scavenged weapon. If there is a way for us to find more magic items to help us in our mission while we wait for a time to strike, I think we should do that. But that is neither here nor there. You mentioned helping each other with this 'problem.' If you are willing to take the risk, I would be willing to have you at my side. We have struggled in the past with tactical errors, and not knowing what makes us strong and weak separately and together. Perhaps we could spar a bit to learn more about each other and how we could work together."
She's happy to spar a bit after people has digested their breakfasts. Her hits pack more of a punch than one might expect, and she can call power from her god and from some fey realm entity to keep her out of harm's way. She's able to hit targets from range as well with a green eldritch blast. She can also heal a bit, but not too much, she misses having Jalt near for his healing capability. With single targets, close in, she's strong, but a little wary of groups and sneaking around. She can also make herself look like anyone at a distance, seemingly without end. She's clumsy and her armor is loud, and sometimes she misses the obvious. But when she is in a sparring match her ferocious smile comes back, reliving old memories.
Bazavur is reminded of a sparring match to find a teifling wizard on some frozen sea in the far north as he watches Soar spar with the newcomers. He beats himself up mentally as he recalls how he failed to win. He otherwise sits quietly until the group is ready to move on. Unless someone wants to spar with him. It’s been a while since he’s been able to use his glaive.
Soar can be dense but she will notice Bazavur looking a bit left out and will playfully hit him on the shoulder with an easy backhand, inviting him to join whatever match she might be taking part in. If she can find a way to move past her past failures, she's going to give him an opening to do so as well. And to try to thwack her with that glaive.
Varan looks to Aiwin when Soar mentions sparing, "Probably shouldn't go all out. Might need to keep a few tricks just in case. Is this a free for all sparing or one-on-one?" Before the sparing happens, he will collect a few of the cloths used as napkins to cover some of his arrow tips. "If anyone gets too hurt, I can heal you up; but try to avoid that. I can blend with the shadows pretty well and move quietly when needed. I can also become invisible and make a duplicate of myself, though those are very limited."
If anyone were to spar with Varan, they would find him decent with both the longbow and rapier. His strikes are more about precision than brute force and he seems to wait for an opening to attack rather than going straight into the fight. Also, just to see if he can, while he spars with someone he will try to slip something from their person ([Tooltip Not Found]: 25). If he is successful, he'll hold up the item with a grin saying, "Keep an eye on your surroundin' darlin', else somethin' will catch you off guard." He does return the item to them once the sparing match is over. He keeps to using his weapons as he spars, switching between longbow and rapier when appropriate. Though, he hints at having a few more talents, it's more out of caution than mistrust that he doesn't show them off.
Soar shows Varan the basics of how she learned how to spar on the parade ground at Kelemvor’s ecclesiastical chapterhouse (where she became a paladin, to the perpetual annoyance of her dour brethren), hitting with the flat of blades, cushioning points, and stopping just short of doing damage. It’s more for technique and learning.
There is zero chance Soar would notice or sense that Varan swiped something from her so she would react with surprise and a grin when he showed her. He wouldn’t get anything personal - all her possessions were taken, and everything she has was picked up in the Misty Forest. She found a cache of flasks and vials so he’d get one of those tucked into her belt. She offers to let him keep it if he likes.
Tobin will sit by the morning campfire and read through one of his many books. The sharp-eyed among his companions may notice shapes dancing in the flames, mimicking the movements of the warriors sparring with alarmingly good detail. The gnome himself sits contentedly watching the fighters and the fire, making no move to join in.
Control Flames, Arcana: 26
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As the mention of sparring arises, Aiwin gazes at each of his companions, a thoughtful expression playing across his features. "Certainly, once you've finished with Varan, just give me the signal. I assume you prefer a one-on-one bout; it wouldn't be fair for us to gang up on you,"he remarks, his tone congenial. With a friendly pat on Varan's back and a warm smile, Aiwin adds, "As for me, I'm more inclined towards the bow, although I keep my scimitar close in case things get too intimate. So, I can't guarantee I'll fare well against someone well-versed in close combat."
Once Varan completes her bout, Aiwin rises gracefully from his seated position, brushing off imaginary dust from his attire with a fluid motion. He draws his scimitar with a faint glint of anticipation in his emerald-green eyes. "Are you in need of a moment to catch your breath, or shall we begin?" he inquires, his stance poised and patient as he awaits her response.
Bazavur pops up at once after Soar playfully bops him on the shoulder. He brandishes his glaive with an almost manic grin on his face. His movements are fluid, practiced, powerful and yet also graceful. Anytime he is about to hit his opponent he turns the blade to hit them with the flat. Not hard enough to do any actual damage but hard enough there will be a nice bruise later. Anyone watching would get the sense that he’s holding something back.
If any of the bouts start at range he’ll lead with an axe or javelin. Again not intent on causing actual injury or damage so if there’s a suitable substitute nearby of sticks or similar he will use that instead. Or deliberately aim for next to his opponent.
During the matches he seems like he is most in his element. That the fever pitch of battle is his happy place. As soon as the bouts are over he seems almost lost or unsure of himself or what to do next.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Tobin:
A small gnome with ink-stained hands walks meekly in librarian's robes. He is holding a large tome at his side and a large quill hovers at his side like an attentive secretary. "Greetings, I am Tobin, Librarian at the Blackstaff Academy of Waterdeep and more recently an adventurer with this august group." Looking around at all the tall and competent hardened adventurers around him he allows, "Although more like note-taker and historian is probably more accurate than adventurer."
Smiling, Tobin adds, "And breakfast sounds like a capital idea!"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The days wash over Soar. She's not great at keeping track of all the customs and minutiae of dragon negotiations, but she does manage to try to charm everyone she meets. On the second day she casts find steed while out on a walk and Candelabra the elk appears. She greets him and explains briefly where they are and what they are doing, and asks him to keep an eye out on anything odd as he grazes on the mountainsides.
On the third day, Soar smiles at Bazavur, for the first time in quite a long time. "We've met a lot of people. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. But being able to wake up every day and try? Getting another chance? That's my favorite thing. Let's go."
Soar is a tall half-elf, 5'11", with near-white hair gathered in a rough ponytail, and icy blue eyes. She steps down the path a bit noisily in her chainmail, booted feet awkward and kicking pebbles every now and then, which she quietly either apologizes to, apologizes for, or goodnaturedly swears at. She warns Bazavur and Tobin of the treacherous terrain ahead.
Her armor looks like it was scavenged from an orc marauder, though there are small mountain flowery vines woven through the chain links. A large battleaxe is at her side, similarly gnarly and ugly, and similarly bedecked with flora. She's got white scars from nicks and old wounds, some on her hands and some on her neck and face. A smile seems to be able to come easily to her, judging by her smile lines around her eyes and mouth, though a smile on her faace seems a bit awkward, and somehow new. She's pretty, under all that armor and even with the scars. Her voice is tired, a hint of roughness, though there's a light, musical quality to it underneath. A voice that's been used a lot lately, and a soul that is trying to rebuild.
"Resting, discussing, breakfasting, with allies? My new favorite thing. Hi there, my name is Soar Jestalle, your friendly neighborhood Doomguide. Friend of Tobin, and this fellow here. I'd love to tell you more. My friends tell me I talk a lot. I'd love to hear about you. And I'm happy to tell you about what the last year or so has brought us, and what we're trying to do about this cult, and Tiamat. I'll warn you, though. We tend to attract danger. We've lost a lot. Won some too. But the losses still sting."
The smile fades.
"No time like the present for a last chance, right?"
Elia is hanging back and letting you talk to each other, though she does appear to be listening and following the conversation.
She does respond to Aiwin's question; "The representatives of Waterdeep are making camp in a cave up the mountain. Perhaps I should leave you, and you get eat a meal together. Sharing food can be a good way to meet new friends."
When Soar says ‘and this fellow here’ Bazavur gives a curt nod and a wave of his hand. The emissaries of the high forest would see a bronze-scaled dragonborn standing just over six and half feet with piercingly light blue eyes. Adorned with simple clothes, a well worn set of scale mail armor and armed to the teeth.
At the mention of food, he chimes up with, “I would love a bite to eat. One can never have to much if you ask me.”
Varan nods in approval, "Do we want to take this to y'all's camp then, or if y'all are ready to go maybe someone can teleport us to a tavern?"
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
"I wish I could teleport," Soar says. "Feel free to join us. I'm not a great cook, but we survive. While we walk, tell me about yourselves. Is the High Forest near the Misty Forest? We were just there. But Faerun is a big place. I call Waterdeep home."
She's fine to have a simple breakfast, once they arrive.
You walk back up to the cave where Soar, Bazavur and Tobin have been resting; it's empty now, as Jalt and Titus are busy with their diplomatic work for the day.
You sit down together to a meal of meats, breads and fruits that have been provided by the gnomes and others who work in service of the Council of Dragons. You talk, and as you talk you learn a little about each other, your missions, and your various histories with the Cult of the Dragon.
(Feel free to give a summarised version of what you say and what your character would want from this conversation; you can role-play in more detail if you wish, it's up to you.)
Aiwin just follows waiting for food and drink to be presented as they all share a meal "Varan and I grew up in the High Forest. Together, Varan and I explored the High Forest, uncovering mysteries and honing our instincts through childhood adventures. These escapades laid the foundation for our future roles as protectors of the woodlands. Our adventures extended beyond the familiar confines of the High Forest when Varan and I, along with Elenion and a rescued elven bard, thwarted a kobold threat. The tale echoed in Waterdeep, emphasizing unity beyond racial boundaries. Later, hired as guards for a merchant's courier, we faced a monstrous spider in Neverwinter Wood. Despite the challenges, we emerged victorious, though not without casualties. Donnabella, the human wizard, fell to the spider's poison but survived, marking a turning point in our journey. In a harrowing turn, Varan and I defended our elven tribe against the Cult of the Dragon. Chosen as emissaries, we embarked on a journey to seek counsel from the Council of Metallic Dragons. Our travels tested our physical prowess and determination, from dense woodlands to the rugged Greypeak Mountains. Driven by the responsibility to safeguard our tribe, we pressed on, facing challenges that would shape our destinies. Now we are here talking with you all." he says taking a bite of food "Also, no the Misty Forest is to the south of the High Forest."
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
Tobin
Tobin will share his notes as well as make more notes as the others speak and add information. Unfortunately, he has not been with the group for long himself, so he really doesn't know too much more than his studies have revealed and the others have discussed.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar, when the time is right, will give an abbreviated but unaltered version of what the party has been through since the attack on Greenest. Not too wordy, and nothing too personal (but basically the main points of what is in the campaign page).
Varan nods along with what everyone says as he takes in the information, "Y'all had quite the adventures yourselves. I suppose that now we know what is going on, the big question is; what our next move? Is the plan to go after these masks, or are there other matters that need attention first? Aiwin and I can send a letter back to the Elder Council lettin' them know what is goin' on, but I think were goin' to need each other's help for this problem." Varan takes a drink from his glass and chomps down on one of the fruits.
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Soar listens more than she talks, and eats a her fill, but she replies to Varan's question, saying: "Adventure, indeed. Our next move, well, I'm not sure we know where any of these masks are anymore. The Cult has them all, as far as we know. If they keep them near the Well, near all of their armies and dragons and power, it will be hard to get them. We were hoping the metallic dragons knew more of what we could do, and would offer their help. Stopping the Cult in whatever they're trying to do will be less suicidal if the metallic dragons can occupy the chromatic dragons, and our armies can occupy theirs. But that is still an open question. The other part of this is our effectiveness. Certainly mine. We had gained some items, some resources along our 'adventure' but after our failure, we don't have those anymore. I feel less capable, though I still have some tricks, and my faith, and I can ruin a cultist's day with even this scavenged weapon. If there is a way for us to find more magic items to help us in our mission while we wait for a time to strike, I think we should do that. But that is neither here nor there. You mentioned helping each other with this 'problem.' If you are willing to take the risk, I would be willing to have you at my side. We have struggled in the past with tactical errors, and not knowing what makes us strong and weak separately and together. Perhaps we could spar a bit to learn more about each other and how we could work together."
She's happy to spar a bit after people has digested their breakfasts. Her hits pack more of a punch than one might expect, and she can call power from her god and from some fey realm entity to keep her out of harm's way. She's able to hit targets from range as well with a green eldritch blast. She can also heal a bit, but not too much, she misses having Jalt near for his healing capability. With single targets, close in, she's strong, but a little wary of groups and sneaking around. She can also make herself look like anyone at a distance, seemingly without end. She's clumsy and her armor is loud, and sometimes she misses the obvious. But when she is in a sparring match her ferocious smile comes back, reliving old memories.
Bazavur is reminded of a sparring match to find a teifling wizard on some frozen sea in the far north as he watches Soar spar with the newcomers. He beats himself up mentally as he recalls how he failed to win. He otherwise sits quietly until the group is ready to move on. Unless someone wants to spar with him. It’s been a while since he’s been able to use his glaive.
Will anyone spar with Bazavur? He probably looks like he would really like to spar with someone. :)
You can continue to speak, swap stories, plan and spar until midday, at which point something will happen (that will be tomorrow IRL).
Soar can be dense but she will notice Bazavur looking a bit left out and will playfully hit him on the shoulder with an easy backhand, inviting him to join whatever match she might be taking part in. If she can find a way to move past her past failures, she's going to give him an opening to do so as well. And to try to thwack her with that glaive.
Varan looks to Aiwin when Soar mentions sparing, "Probably shouldn't go all out. Might need to keep a few tricks just in case. Is this a free for all sparing or one-on-one?" Before the sparing happens, he will collect a few of the cloths used as napkins to cover some of his arrow tips. "If anyone gets too hurt, I can heal you up; but try to avoid that. I can blend with the shadows pretty well and move quietly when needed. I can also become invisible and make a duplicate of myself, though those are very limited."
If anyone were to spar with Varan, they would find him decent with both the longbow and rapier. His strikes are more about precision than brute force and he seems to wait for an opening to attack rather than going straight into the fight. Also, just to see if he can, while he spars with someone he will try to slip something from their person ([Tooltip Not Found]: 25). If he is successful, he'll hold up the item with a grin saying, "Keep an eye on your surroundin' darlin', else somethin' will catch you off guard." He does return the item to them once the sparing match is over. He keeps to using his weapons as he spars, switching between longbow and rapier when appropriate. Though, he hints at having a few more talents, it's more out of caution than mistrust that he doesn't show them off.
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Soar shows Varan the basics of how she learned how to spar on the parade ground at Kelemvor’s ecclesiastical chapterhouse (where she became a paladin, to the perpetual annoyance of her dour brethren), hitting with the flat of blades, cushioning points, and stopping just short of doing damage. It’s more for technique and learning.
There is zero chance Soar would notice or sense that Varan swiped something from her so she would react with surprise and a grin when he showed her. He wouldn’t get anything personal - all her possessions were taken, and everything she has was picked up in the Misty Forest. She found a cache of flasks and vials so he’d get one of those tucked into her belt. She offers to let him keep it if he likes.
Tobin:
Tobin will sit by the morning campfire and read through one of his many books. The sharp-eyed among his companions may notice shapes dancing in the flames, mimicking the movements of the warriors sparring with alarmingly good detail. The gnome himself sits contentedly watching the fighters and the fire, making no move to join in.
Control Flames, Arcana: 26
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
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
Bazavur pops up at once after Soar playfully bops him on the shoulder. He brandishes his glaive with an almost manic grin on his face. His movements are fluid, practiced, powerful and yet also graceful. Anytime he is about to hit his opponent he turns the blade to hit them with the flat. Not hard enough to do any actual damage but hard enough there will be a nice bruise later. Anyone watching would get the sense that he’s holding something back.
If any of the bouts start at range he’ll lead with an axe or javelin. Again not intent on causing actual injury or damage so if there’s a suitable substitute nearby of sticks or similar he will use that instead. Or deliberately aim for next to his opponent.
During the matches he seems like he is most in his element. That the fever pitch of battle is his happy place. As soon as the bouts are over he seems almost lost or unsure of himself or what to do next.