Narz expression hardens at the insinuation of the Magister, but held his tongue and steadfastly avoided looking at any of the parties face in particular. He would on the other hand try to keep a mental note of the directions. Between him and Spaz, who apart from keeping an eye on the general direction of the halfling as well, the former felt confident of being able to recall most of it in a pinch.
Whenever the group is next out of earshot of the Magister, Narz would finally address them, and by extension the halfling as well. "So by the looks of things we got ourselves quite a few options on our hands, eh? Though I imagine, unless some of you are particularly interested in finding rest sooner than later, we aughta see about our payment." It's at that point he gives the mental command for Spaz to start batting at the halflings general location until he either revealed himself or started giving directions on the locations he spoke of, keeping his promise of payment.
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Claire waits expectantly for the halfling to reappear.
Aside from that, she would attempt to find a place to buy or commission some better armor, and perhaps would stop by the stable for feed for her horse.
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
From the back of the cart Dondon appears suddenly and sighs in relief. There nice and easy. Now the good magister did give good directions at least. The silver ante is right where he directed you among other places though as I said I can get you free rooms at the ante, for the night anyway. Oh uh yes and the sack of gold. Most shops you might want are within spitting distance, well unless you want weapons or armor but Brian's is just around the corner. Consider me your personal guide for the stay if need be!
Following the directions previously given and with a little help from Dondon you all head left following one of the main roads of the city. Its not longafter that Dondon directs you down a side street and after another quick turn you find you've walked into a very busy little section of businesses. Several inns and taverns are dotted in between all sorts of businesses from a cartographer to a laundry service. Dondon points outna few places of interest such as a silver smiths who could plate weapons, a store dealing in general adventuring equipment, a clothing shop and a pawn shop called Waukeens Wares which resides closer to the shady alleys that lead you further into the maze like streets of waterdeep. Dondon follows up with Just don't try to cheat old Alek, the proprietor if you decide to pawn something off. People who cheat him have a way of dissapearing if you get my meaning. Still you never know what can be found there. Oh and see those stone towers there? He points to near the center of a row of buildings that turns into two tall and dilapidated stone towers. Rumor has it that after the original wizard occupants passed away some few hundred years back that someone else took up residence in secret. The walls kept crumbling but it still had an active forcefield protecting it from intruders. Some say the secret resident was none a high ranking officer of the Zhentarim, some even suggest it was the founder himself. Spooky stuff yeah? He seems clearly interested in this story but he quickly leans back in the cart and waves at the towers as you pass. Anyway today ots just a couple of old abandoned towers. If anyone is living there they don't seem keen on keeping people away. But it serves as a good reference point. If we just go up a few more buildings the ante will be riiiight here! The cart comes to a stop in front of a small semi rundown looking tavern. The sign out front is snapped like a silver coin and simply reads "The Silver Ante". Dondon hops out of the cart and saunters in, waving for you all to follow.
Inside you find the space to be quite cramped, the space clearly built with a halflings perportions in mind. As such most of the clientele are halfings, gnomes and dwarves but there are a few humans and half elves as well. Dondon walks up to the bar and greets the halfling barmaid serving drinks. Greetings Frida! How bout a cool drink for me and my new friends here? And do we have a couple of guest rooms open? The ones there size anyway? Frida, a sury looking half elf with fire red hair looks at Dondon like she wants to punch him. More new friends Dondon? How do you plan to keep this place running if ya keep giving away the rooms and drink? Its like you don't care at all what happens to this place or the people who work here. But fine whatever, here's the keys to the rooms. Pour your own damned drinks. Dondon chuckles a little to himself uncomfortably as Frida walks off to go serve customers elsewhere. He turns back to you and hands you the keys to two rooms. Sorry about that. Frida is a little....strong willed let's say. Either way, rooms are accessed from the back of the building. Just head around the corner outside. There's also a stables close buy that will house your mounts for a fair price.
Torsus kept in mind the location and how to get there of every place pointed out especially if any of them were likely to sell cookign supplies, more for personal reference than necessary desire to shop -as much as he wanted to explore every inch of the city, they had a job to do, and an important one, and he had yet to see any of them fare in combat. The city still seemed to wow him like a child lost in a world full of candy, and his dexterous neck (famous among some women) continued to twist and turn at everything Dondon pointed out. He didn't like Dondon but he wasn't going to turn down information, especially about such a place as this.
Once inside the Ante, he likely had a slightly easier time than the taller folk getting inside but his eyes were glued to every inch of the establishment, soaking in more new sights -this was likely to be a thing- as he took in all the people there, especially the exceptionally large number of smaller-folk.
This entire city is a wonder... how it ever came to exist as it is I will never know, but I am glad it did nonetheless. The ingenuity of humans and other races never seems to astound my curiosities, and just when you think you have them pinned down, they surprise you again. Either way, we should take the hospitality while it stands, and as much as I wish to explore the city, we should be on our way before midday tomorrow in my humble opinion. It will give us time to quickly resupply on anything we may be missing or need and then we should make our way out and continue both for the Tressym's sake and those we seek to aid. For now, let us enjoy a meal and drinks. For now, let us stable our mounts and cart, then return for food.
Rollo crouches over, his large frame being compacted by the small space. The entire time they've been in the city he looks profoundly uncomfortable, glancing around more like someone who is trapped than someone who is curious. At Torsus's suggestion he groans a bit. "That long? I'm going to need a lot of ale."
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The first time Aeyd had the pleasure to be in the city of splendor's, she didn't have a guide, so, despite her slight distrust in the halfing, she is very much interested in hearing what he has to say about specific stores and such. She only had known what she read in texts about the city itself, but never truly got to experience it for what it was before she was whisked off to service under Lord Bladesemmer.
Despite the elf's normal neutral demanor, she showed slight excitement in entering the bar, never having gone into one specially servicing the smaller races. They didn't even look to care that they needed bend at the knees. When Torsus expresses not knowing how the city's existence came to be, she parts her lips to explain, then closes them shut when the halfling speaks to the barmaid.
After Dondon's exchange with Frida, she can't help but chuckle and say, "I must say, I quite like her feisty attitude." When it's bought up that they would need to stable the horses, Aeyd volunteers to do so, with help, had anyone else wanted.
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After a while during the trip Narz jotted down what he could of the intel both nebulous or not. Although he held not illusions of being actually able to follow-up on the more interesting ones like the tower this trip, or even any time in the near future, it was a rare treat to be in his position. After all, if certain plans were to eventually progress into tangible actions for future generation, who was he to not due his duty in recording as much as possible about a jewel like waterdeep.
Before long the group arrives at the Silver Ante, and much like Rollo, he appeared no more comfortable in it then the rest. Seeing the few humans and half-elves among the patrons and servers had him looking on with some degree of envy. He also scrutinized the half-elf and halflings interaction a little more closely; looking for any signs of some underlying meaning to their words, or odd gestures to suggest their being more going on than meets the eyes.
But any findings is kept close to the chest until he had a moment to speak with the others in private a little later... Until then, Narz volunteers his service as well for tending to cart and mounts. Though before he says/cautions the others, "I must say, respectuflly, if we are to resupply, the ale should be kept to a minimum, and our stay at least somewhat limited, as the current season is likely to limit how long certain places remain open for business. Speaking of-" He looks to Dondon and asks, "Now as for our other arrangement, if you would." He reminds the halfling.
In the meantime Spaz had stuck to Rillex outside with the cart, unless the Tressym had gone inside; having a heated discussion as only intelligent felines could about the pros and cons of certain techniques they may imploy to weasel out some scraps from those inside.
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Narz as far as you can tell there's no hidden meaning behind their words (also both Dondon and Frida are halflings). As best as you can tell Frida is simply upset with Dondon. When reminded of the gold he promised Dondon chuckles and says Ah I was hoping you'd forget....well okay a deals a deal just one second. Dondon walks behind tbe bar and looking to make sure Frida wasn't looking grabs a pouch and fills it with coins before handing it over. Listen...he says in a lowered voice. Sorry there isn't more but Fridas right. Its hard enough keeping this place open as is and certain uh...side businesses of mine haven't been very lucrative recently. This is really all I can afford to give right now. Dondon hands over the pouch which contains 250gp (50 each).
For those going to the stables you find a stables around the corner on slop st. Speaking to the stable hand he offers to stable all your horses and cart for 5 gold a day. They also offer feed for mounts if you wanted some. They sell it by the weeks worth costing 3 silver for a weeks worth of feed for a single horse. Keep in mind that you have 3 horses a pony and a worg so 5 creatures needing food. The stable hand is a bit nervous around the world but in Waterdeep all sorts of weird things are used as mounts so its not entirely unseen.
Anyone purchasing general goods can but anyone from the adventuring gear list as cost. Those with more specific inquires ill pm you.
Torsus heads to the stables with Aeyd, so unfortunately he didn't get to see Dondon stealing the Ante's finances to use as payment for 'services' to the group. Once finding out the prices for the things, he will pay for his own stabling fee's and buy three weeks worth of pony feed, and round it up to a full gold for the sake of keeping things even, costing him a total of six gold if he understood correctly. Once this portion was completed and taken care of, he would inform Aeyd that he intended to browse some of the shops idly until about nine pm so he could pick up some spices, as well as see if there was anything else worth spending a bit of coin on.
Once gone, he'd search for spices, Finding a few (as per discord) and would pay the costs for them before continuing to search, and asking at each shop what bizarre, or unusual but mostly useless magical items they might have somewhere, not really caring what it might be, though it didn't guarantee he'd buy anything that didn't catch his interest even if he did stumble on such a thing. He wanted more to est if the city of Splendors would have just that in the brief time he was passing through.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Claire takes the pouch of gold from Dondon, but purses her lips before distributing it. She wants to take it but... "Is this your gold to give?" She waits a few moments for any hastily given answer, but regardless of that answer, turns her nose up, trying to feign indignation to hide her hesitation. "If I was performing duties such as healing or blessing crops, I wouldn't bat an eye at such a payment. As it is, free shelter, food, and drink for a night or two is plenty." Claire sets down the pouch and crosses her arms. "If you feel this is inadequate payment, then I'd be willing to accept some other good or service as well, but I won't take gold. Especially not the Ante's gold."
Afterwards, Claire will accompany Narz and Aeyd to the stables. "If we're only here for a day, why don't we each pitch in a silver and split the weeks worth of food amongst the mounts?"
Later, at the armorer (per DM text), Claire dwells on her decision to buy the grungy looking used plate for longer than most would. She frowns, frustrated, but produces the coin. "It's not quite what I imagined myself wearing as I travelled across the land to spread my light to those in need... but... it will have to do." The duchess' words still ring true in her mind; humility, courage, and commitment to her cause will earn her the admiration she seeks, not fancy looking armor, though her heart aches as the ideal image of herself atop her horse, clad in flashy gold-plated armor as holy light radiates from her outstretched arms begins to crumble.
(Almost forgort: Claire will attempt to haggle the price down since it's used and dirty, though her offer may come across as entitled and indignant due to her solid +0 to persuasion lol. Persuasion: 12 )
Dondon feigns offense and says I can't believe you think so little of me! Hehe. But yes it is, afterall I do own the Ante. But if you're not free food and drink is enough then...Dondon puts the pouch back more than happy to keep some of his gold.
Claire you successfully talk down the price. He'll take 25% off the regular price in its current state. (Will get back to Torsus just wanted to resolve the haggling.)
The moment Dondon tries to put the pouch back, Narz holds up a hand in a halting gesture. Then after giving Claire a sidelong look and a raised brow(see spoiler), the hobgoblin turns back on Dondon with a tight but polite smile. "Sorry there buddy. You seem to have misunderstood my compatatriot a little there, eh? Must be the lingering results of your rather stressful encounter back on the road, I'm sure. But not to worry, as I'm more than happy to clarify on the behalf of my other fellows, that we will accept the payment due... Minus of course the cut the mightive gone to Claire here. Wouldn't you say?" He expresses plainly, maintaining the smile, but keeping the tone just firm enough to show he clearly wouldn't budge on the subject.
Once the payment is secured, and most had gathered outside to deal with the stabling business, Narz makes a point of dolling out the coin before most scattered to the winds again. In the process and in response to Claire's suggestion, Narz shakes his head. "That is certainly an idea. But, as I've already seen to my own stores for the next couple weeks on Vigo's behalf, such feed an expenditure is not necessary... It would however be my pleasure to pay for a week's worth for each mount in addition to stabling costs for the day and next." If there's no objections, he'll turn to the stable hand and exchange the necessary coin. But also, he'll have them hold off on hoisting the feed on them until they depart the next day.
At that, he moves on, leaving Vigo to rest and try his patience less with the slew of walking morsels likely to be found his exploration. Rollo share is kept in the pouch, and prior to Narz' departure from the general area, the hobgoblin passes it off to the fury master to do with as he wished. With that done he was free to look into purchasing a map of the city itself, and inquiry into businesses or the like that might sell at least more common magic items or even scrolls with Spaz and Rillex in tow. That is, if the lazy latter tressym hadn't decided to stick at the tavern.
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Dondon stops and sheepishly goes to hand the pouch back over saying Ah yes...of course...my misunderstanding. Just before Narz can grab the pouch of coins its snapped up by a furious looking Frida. Absolutely not! Dondon I've told you countless times you can't take the inns funds for your own debts! I don't care if you're the owner we need this money to keep the place running, not to pay off whatever debt you've gotten into now!She gives each of you a hard stare, clearly thinking the worst of you. If you're so desperate for money Dondon find it somewhere else!
Claire looks taken aback by Frida's glare, but then turns her own glare towards Narz instead, irritated that his insistence on taking the gold has soured the halfling's opinion of her despite her own show of restraint. She doesn't sustain her glare at the goblinoid, though, dropping it after only a moment as she responds to Frida with an apologetic smile. "Worry not. If you need this gold to continue running your business, WE will not stoop so low as to take your livelyhood, especially over such a mundane task as simply giving Dondon a ride into town." She turns to the others. "Dondon fully intended to keep his promise. That is good enough for me. I will not punish another..." she says, gesturing to Frida, and then back to Dondon. "...just because the one is a fool."
Claire holds a hand up to the side of her mouth as she addresses Frida once more, as if she is attempting to hide her next comment from Dondon, though she doesn't speak quietly enough for that. "If I were you, however, I would have second thoughts about sharing a business with this fellow."
Rollo looks a little annoyed at the whole thing. "While I don't condone taking from others to pay off your own debts the halfling did make a promise, and he does own the establishment. Technically he is taking from himself to pay his own debts. However, if taking this money will bankrupt the establishment then I will take my portion, and pay it to Ms. Frida here to do with as she sees fit for the good of the place."
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Claire beams at Rollo, and nods vigorously. "A splendid idea, dear Rollo! Yes! You may do that with my portion as well. Looks like you're getting a bonus this week, Miss Frida." Claire then looks to Narz and Torsus. "... Rollo makes another good point though. If Dondon does indeed own the establishment, and if the coin is technically his anyways, I suppose I can't fault you for taking what you feel is your share. Not my place to disapprove, really," the woman says, though she clearly does.
Narz is completely unfazed by either glares or hard stares. Although Frida's taking notice of the exchange was a somewhat unexpected event, it was not so outside the realm to even so much as make the hardened goblinoid flinch. Although Claire's insistence on acting on everyone's behalf and undermine the deal certainly has him slowly balling up a fist at his side, but keeping to a neutral expression. Only her remission, if only in part, prompts him to relax and fold his hands behind his back.
"My... apologies for the kerfuffle, but a deal is a deal. Which appearantly there's been some confusion in regards to, as some of you were still getting yourself together at the time. And while I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea of airing out dirty business..." He eyes Dondon specifically. "The payment was for saving your life. With the escort being but a courtesy. That, which you paid back in kind with free drinks and board, and is appreciated." Narz draws himself up and puffs out his chest a bit. "But as it was informal arrangement with the exact amount never fully being discussed... I'll take my cut, and find another place of respite as to avoid further complicating things for you."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Frida looks back to Claire and Rollo with another appraising look, clearly feeling she may have been hasty to judge before glaring back at Narz. Fine fine take your cut and be done with it. As for you two I appreciate the gesture, though for the record despite Dondons boasting we share ownership, something my cousin here always seems to forget when he treats the inns money like his own personal piggy bank! Maybe if you ran the inn Dondon I could get some actual work done around here! Your great grandma Dwhavel didn't send us here to spend our days running a failing inn! Why don't you make yourself useful and serve the guests! Dondon looks quite embarrassed but nods and goes to start serving drinks. As for you lot! You're only staying what, the night and no longer? Then fine keep the rooms but any longer and your paying for the stay. Breakfast is at 8.
Aeyd would sit and watch the kerfuffle with nothing more than a cocked brow. After Frida had explained the situation, the elf would refuse the money (if unable she will do what Claire and Rollo did) as it seemed they needed it much more than she did at this moment in time. "I will pay for my room for the night as well, if you don't mind,"She says finally. "I am one who likes to support small businesses in any way that I can."She pauses for a second. "Erm... Not small as in... your... size... The establishment... business."Eventually, she waves a hand. "Anywho. I also apologize for the fuss, Miss Frida. Thank you for letting us stay." She bows her head in respect towards the woman.
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Frida looks at Aeyd curiously before chuckling. Its okay hun, its a turn of phrase, got nothing to do with race. Anyway a silver for a bed for the night including dinner and breakfast. Dinners at 6 by the way, ya just missed lunch so hope your not too hungry. With Dondon off serving customers and Frida seemingly satisfied more or less you all get settled in to your rooms. There's one for the guys and one for the girls both containing 3 beds. The rooms here are much more comfortable as they seemed to be designed for a medium sized patrons. The beds are proper feather beds with wool blankets, certainly nicer than one may have expected.
Torsus, while all this is going on you're wandering through various shops in the area. Most don't have much of interest so you don't spend long in them, that is until you reach a local pawn shop. Outside a old run down looking woodframed building hangs an even older looking copper sign that reads "Waukeens Wares". Entering you find a cramped space full of what seems to be disorganized junk in piles reaching to the ceiling in some cases. Small foot paths seem to be made between to the junk to allow you to walk further in the building. When you walk close to the center of the room you hear a voice from behind one of the piles call out Oh a customer! One second one second! After several seconds and a few clangs as items fall to the ground a shady looking human with pale, wrinkled skin dotted with liverspots shuffles out from a pile of junk. Oh! A Tortle! Haven't seen one of you in.....ever! Just what I read in books. Don't suppose you'd like to pawn your shell would you? No? Maybe another time then oh but how can I, Cyrus, help you? You proceed to tell the man what you are looking for and he seems to contemplate for a long time before it seems he has an idea and shuffles off beckoning you to wait.
A few more loud bangs and a momentary scare as one of the piles shifts and looks about to fall on you before settling as the proprietor picks something up from the bottom Cyrus finally returns and places four items on his cluttered desk, a book, a wand, a leather helm and a set of plate armor. So...interested in odd magic items are ye. Well, these particular curios are the finest in my collection! Er well rather they are the easiest to find in my collection! He says with equal pride. So, which should I tell you about first I wonder....ah let's start with the wand. The man picks up a wand that looks a bit like a sick thats be struck by lightning. This is the Wand of Lightening. Its quick a simple item really. It has three uses in the day, recharging some of those every morning. When you use its command word you instantly loose your appetite and feel full for the rest of the day, like so. POTAGE! Oh dammit why did I do that I just made lunch! Oh its also important for you to know you may feel full for the rest of the day but you won't be full. This isn't a Wand of Goodberry afterall. You still need to eat or you'll wake up starving, use it too much and you still die of starvation still....good if you're looking to loose a few pounds!
Placing the wand back on the table the old man looks around and decides to pick up the helmet next. A old looking helmet of faded leather with some minor padding to help against the cold, the old man lifts it up as if to see if itnwpuld even fit you. Satisfied it would he says Now this! Well its a leather helmet. Not much protection without the rest of the armor but its not just an ordinary helmet mind you! No no Gary here, I call him Gary by the way, is sentient! Sort of anyway. I call this one the Helm of Encouragement. While you are attuned to the helmet it will offer some kind hearted words every now and then to give you the love and encouragement your father surely never did! The man who pawned this off used to be quite the sad sack before having this made. He was much chipper when he finally felt the need to part with it. He did kill himself a week later but I'm sure that has nothing to do with anything.
Before you can question anything he immediately picks up the book and asks Do you journal? Its good to write down thoughts and dreams and oh especially grocery lists! I always forget the milk ya know. This journal...ah well it won't help with any of that but! It will journal, itself that is. Look. He opens the book and before your eyes you see words printing themselves on the page. And then the old man opened me to show me off to a rather ugly looking thing. I've never seen a creature such as this and it makes me wonder if perhaps the old shopkeeper had accidentally summoned a demon again. I believe this will make the 4th accidental summoning. The paladins will surely execute him this time around and then what will happen to me I won- Cyrus slams the book shut and laughs. HeHehe ah oh um...don't worry about all that nonsense. The journal likes to ramble. Still the journal will keep track of events around it, albeit from its own perspective. It also tends to reflect on these things and often the meaning of life and its very existence. If I was a semi sentient journal I'd mope all day too I suppose. Just be sure not to leave it in your pack unless you want an entry about what the items in your pack did all day!
Cyrus places the journal down and walks over to the plate armor, rubbing a wrinkled hand along its eedges. Hoho...now this....this is...well its shit but a clever mind could find use for it perhaps. This armor was a result of a failed experiment by a fighter who wanted to be a wizard in his attempt to create the perfect armor. This is the Anti-sword armor. Under normal circumstances it functions as normal plate armor but, when your opponent uses a sword well, you'll both be in for a shock! Cyrus draws a shortsword from where you have no idea and begins to scream loudly. He swings the sword at the armor and as the blade is about to touch the metal it becomes ethereal and the sword passes through the armor. Cyrus, unable to stop his momentum does a full 360 spin and accidently cuts off the head of a mannequin behind him. A little embarrassed he sheaths the sword and gestures to the armor. As you can see, any sword trying to damage the armor will simply pass right through. Unfortunately that affect will not apply to the person wearing the armor! As I said the fighter who longed to be a wizard was trying to make the perfect set of armor. He was quite talented even if his first attempt failed. If he hadn't died testing it he may have eventually succeeded too! Well probably not. So any of these catch your interest my shelled friend?
Narz expression hardens at the insinuation of the Magister, but held his tongue and steadfastly avoided looking at any of the parties face in particular. He would on the other hand try to keep a mental note of the directions. Between him and Spaz, who apart from keeping an eye on the general direction of the halfling as well, the former felt confident of being able to recall most of it in a pinch.
Whenever the group is next out of earshot of the Magister, Narz would finally address them, and by extension the halfling as well. "So by the looks of things we got ourselves quite a few options on our hands, eh? Though I imagine, unless some of you are particularly interested in finding rest sooner than later, we aughta see about our payment." It's at that point he gives the mental command for Spaz to start batting at the halflings general location until he either revealed himself or started giving directions on the locations he spoke of, keeping his promise of payment.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Claire waits expectantly for the halfling to reappear.
Aside from that, she would attempt to find a place to buy or commission some better armor, and perhaps would stop by the stable for feed for her horse.
From the back of the cart Dondon appears suddenly and sighs in relief. There nice and easy. Now the good magister did give good directions at least. The silver ante is right where he directed you among other places though as I said I can get you free rooms at the ante, for the night anyway. Oh uh yes and the sack of gold. Most shops you might want are within spitting distance, well unless you want weapons or armor but Brian's is just around the corner. Consider me your personal guide for the stay if need be!
Following the directions previously given and with a little help from Dondon you all head left following one of the main roads of the city. Its not longafter that Dondon directs you down a side street and after another quick turn you find you've walked into a very busy little section of businesses. Several inns and taverns are dotted in between all sorts of businesses from a cartographer to a laundry service. Dondon points outna few places of interest such as a silver smiths who could plate weapons, a store dealing in general adventuring equipment, a clothing shop and a pawn shop called Waukeens Wares which resides closer to the shady alleys that lead you further into the maze like streets of waterdeep. Dondon follows up with Just don't try to cheat old Alek, the proprietor if you decide to pawn something off. People who cheat him have a way of dissapearing if you get my meaning. Still you never know what can be found there. Oh and see those stone towers there? He points to near the center of a row of buildings that turns into two tall and dilapidated stone towers. Rumor has it that after the original wizard occupants passed away some few hundred years back that someone else took up residence in secret. The walls kept crumbling but it still had an active forcefield protecting it from intruders. Some say the secret resident was none a high ranking officer of the Zhentarim, some even suggest it was the founder himself. Spooky stuff yeah? He seems clearly interested in this story but he quickly leans back in the cart and waves at the towers as you pass. Anyway today ots just a couple of old abandoned towers. If anyone is living there they don't seem keen on keeping people away. But it serves as a good reference point. If we just go up a few more buildings the ante will be riiiight here! The cart comes to a stop in front of a small semi rundown looking tavern. The sign out front is snapped like a silver coin and simply reads "The Silver Ante". Dondon hops out of the cart and saunters in, waving for you all to follow.
Inside you find the space to be quite cramped, the space clearly built with a halflings perportions in mind. As such most of the clientele are halfings, gnomes and dwarves but there are a few humans and half elves as well. Dondon walks up to the bar and greets the halfling barmaid serving drinks. Greetings Frida! How bout a cool drink for me and my new friends here? And do we have a couple of guest rooms open? The ones there size anyway? Frida, a sury looking half elf with fire red hair looks at Dondon like she wants to punch him. More new friends Dondon? How do you plan to keep this place running if ya keep giving away the rooms and drink? Its like you don't care at all what happens to this place or the people who work here. But fine whatever, here's the keys to the rooms. Pour your own damned drinks. Dondon chuckles a little to himself uncomfortably as Frida walks off to go serve customers elsewhere. He turns back to you and hands you the keys to two rooms. Sorry about that. Frida is a little....strong willed let's say. Either way, rooms are accessed from the back of the building. Just head around the corner outside. There's also a stables close buy that will house your mounts for a fair price.
Torsus kept in mind the location and how to get there of every place pointed out especially if any of them were likely to sell cookign supplies, more for personal reference than necessary desire to shop -as much as he wanted to explore every inch of the city, they had a job to do, and an important one, and he had yet to see any of them fare in combat. The city still seemed to wow him like a child lost in a world full of candy, and his dexterous neck (famous among some women) continued to twist and turn at everything Dondon pointed out. He didn't like Dondon but he wasn't going to turn down information, especially about such a place as this.
Once inside the Ante, he likely had a slightly easier time than the taller folk getting inside but his eyes were glued to every inch of the establishment, soaking in more new sights -this was likely to be a thing- as he took in all the people there, especially the exceptionally large number of smaller-folk.
This entire city is a wonder... how it ever came to exist as it is I will never know, but I am glad it did nonetheless. The ingenuity of humans and other races never seems to astound my curiosities, and just when you think you have them pinned down, they surprise you again. Either way, we should take the hospitality while it stands, and as much as I wish to explore the city, we should be on our way before midday tomorrow in my humble opinion. It will give us time to quickly resupply on anything we may be missing or need and then we should make our way out and continue both for the Tressym's sake and those we seek to aid. For now, let us enjoy a meal and drinks. For now, let us stable our mounts and cart, then return for food.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rollo crouches over, his large frame being compacted by the small space. The entire time they've been in the city he looks profoundly uncomfortable, glancing around more like someone who is trapped than someone who is curious. At Torsus's suggestion he groans a bit. "That long? I'm going to need a lot of ale."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The first time Aeyd had the pleasure to be in the city of splendor's, she didn't have a guide, so, despite her slight distrust in the halfing, she is very much interested in hearing what he has to say about specific stores and such. She only had known what she read in texts about the city itself, but never truly got to experience it for what it was before she was whisked off to service under Lord Bladesemmer.
Despite the elf's normal neutral demanor, she showed slight excitement in entering the bar, never having gone into one specially servicing the smaller races. They didn't even look to care that they needed bend at the knees. When Torsus expresses not knowing how the city's existence came to be, she parts her lips to explain, then closes them shut when the halfling speaks to the barmaid.
After Dondon's exchange with Frida, she can't help but chuckle and say, "I must say, I quite like her feisty attitude." When it's bought up that they would need to stable the horses, Aeyd volunteers to do so, with help, had anyone else wanted.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
After a while during the trip Narz jotted down what he could of the intel both nebulous or not. Although he held not illusions of being actually able to follow-up on the more interesting ones like the tower this trip, or even any time in the near future, it was a rare treat to be in his position. After all, if certain plans were to eventually progress into tangible actions for future generation, who was he to not due his duty in recording as much as possible about a jewel like waterdeep.
Before long the group arrives at the Silver Ante, and much like Rollo, he appeared no more comfortable in it then the rest. Seeing the few humans and half-elves among the patrons and servers had him looking on with some degree of envy. He also scrutinized the half-elf and halflings interaction a little more closely; looking for any signs of some underlying meaning to their words, or odd gestures to suggest their being more going on than meets the eyes.
Insight: 23.
But any findings is kept close to the chest until he had a moment to speak with the others in private a little later... Until then, Narz volunteers his service as well for tending to cart and mounts. Though before he says/cautions the others, "I must say, respectuflly, if we are to resupply, the ale should be kept to a minimum, and our stay at least somewhat limited, as the current season is likely to limit how long certain places remain open for business. Speaking of-" He looks to Dondon and asks, "Now as for our other arrangement, if you would." He reminds the halfling.
In the meantime Spaz had stuck to Rillex outside with the cart, unless the Tressym had gone inside; having a heated discussion as only intelligent felines could about the pros and cons of certain techniques they may imploy to weasel out some scraps from those inside.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Narz as far as you can tell there's no hidden meaning behind their words (also both Dondon and Frida are halflings). As best as you can tell Frida is simply upset with Dondon. When reminded of the gold he promised Dondon chuckles and says Ah I was hoping you'd forget....well okay a deals a deal just one second. Dondon walks behind tbe bar and looking to make sure Frida wasn't looking grabs a pouch and fills it with coins before handing it over. Listen...he says in a lowered voice. Sorry there isn't more but Fridas right. Its hard enough keeping this place open as is and certain uh...side businesses of mine haven't been very lucrative recently. This is really all I can afford to give right now. Dondon hands over the pouch which contains 250gp (50 each).
For those going to the stables you find a stables around the corner on slop st. Speaking to the stable hand he offers to stable all your horses and cart for 5 gold a day. They also offer feed for mounts if you wanted some. They sell it by the weeks worth costing 3 silver for a weeks worth of feed for a single horse. Keep in mind that you have 3 horses a pony and a worg so 5 creatures needing food. The stable hand is a bit nervous around the world but in Waterdeep all sorts of weird things are used as mounts so its not entirely unseen.
Anyone purchasing general goods can but anyone from the adventuring gear list as cost. Those with more specific inquires ill pm you.
Torsus heads to the stables with Aeyd, so unfortunately he didn't get to see Dondon stealing the Ante's finances to use as payment for 'services' to the group. Once finding out the prices for the things, he will pay for his own stabling fee's and buy three weeks worth of pony feed, and round it up to a full gold for the sake of keeping things even, costing him a total of six gold if he understood correctly. Once this portion was completed and taken care of, he would inform Aeyd that he intended to browse some of the shops idly until about nine pm so he could pick up some spices, as well as see if there was anything else worth spending a bit of coin on.
Once gone, he'd search for spices, Finding a few (as per discord) and would pay the costs for them before continuing to search, and asking at each shop what bizarre, or unusual but mostly useless magical items they might have somewhere, not really caring what it might be, though it didn't guarantee he'd buy anything that didn't catch his interest even if he did stumble on such a thing. He wanted more to est if the city of Splendors would have just that in the brief time he was passing through.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Claire takes the pouch of gold from Dondon, but purses her lips before distributing it. She wants to take it but... "Is this your gold to give?" She waits a few moments for any hastily given answer, but regardless of that answer, turns her nose up, trying to feign indignation to hide her hesitation. "If I was performing duties such as healing or blessing crops, I wouldn't bat an eye at such a payment. As it is, free shelter, food, and drink for a night or two is plenty." Claire sets down the pouch and crosses her arms. "If you feel this is inadequate payment, then I'd be willing to accept some other good or service as well, but I won't take gold. Especially not the Ante's gold."
Afterwards, Claire will accompany Narz and Aeyd to the stables. "If we're only here for a day, why don't we each pitch in a silver and split the weeks worth of food amongst the mounts?"
Later, at the armorer (per DM text), Claire dwells on her decision to buy the grungy looking used plate for longer than most would. She frowns, frustrated, but produces the coin. "It's not quite what I imagined myself wearing as I travelled across the land to spread my light to those in need... but... it will have to do." The duchess' words still ring true in her mind; humility, courage, and commitment to her cause will earn her the admiration she seeks, not fancy looking armor, though her heart aches as the ideal image of herself atop her horse, clad in flashy gold-plated armor as holy light radiates from her outstretched arms begins to crumble.
(Almost forgort: Claire will attempt to haggle the price down since it's used and dirty, though her offer may come across as entitled and indignant due to her solid +0 to persuasion lol. Persuasion: 12 )
Dondon feigns offense and says I can't believe you think so little of me! Hehe. But yes it is, afterall I do own the Ante. But if you're not free food and drink is enough then...Dondon puts the pouch back more than happy to keep some of his gold.
Claire you successfully talk down the price. He'll take 25% off the regular price in its current state. (Will get back to Torsus just wanted to resolve the haggling.)
The moment Dondon tries to put the pouch back, Narz holds up a hand in a halting gesture. Then after giving Claire a sidelong look and a raised brow(see spoiler), the hobgoblin turns back on Dondon with a tight but polite smile. "Sorry there buddy. You seem to have misunderstood my compatatriot a little there, eh? Must be the lingering results of your rather stressful encounter back on the road, I'm sure. But not to worry, as I'm more than happy to clarify on the behalf of my other fellows, that we will accept the payment due... Minus of course the cut the mightive gone to Claire here. Wouldn't you say?" He expresses plainly, maintaining the smile, but keeping the tone just firm enough to show he clearly wouldn't budge on the subject.
Once the payment is secured, and most had gathered outside to deal with the stabling business, Narz makes a point of dolling out the coin before most scattered to the winds again. In the process and in response to Claire's suggestion, Narz shakes his head. "That is certainly an idea. But, as I've already seen to my own stores for the next couple weeks on Vigo's behalf, such feed an expenditure is not necessary... It would however be my pleasure to pay for a week's worth for each mount in addition to stabling costs for the day and next." If there's no objections, he'll turn to the stable hand and exchange the necessary coin. But also, he'll have them hold off on hoisting the feed on them until they depart the next day.
At that, he moves on, leaving Vigo to rest and try his patience less with the slew of walking morsels likely to be found his exploration. Rollo share is kept in the pouch, and prior to Narz' departure from the general area, the hobgoblin passes it off to the fury master to do with as he wished. With that done he was free to look into purchasing a map of the city itself, and inquiry into businesses or the like that might sell at least more common magic items or even scrolls with Spaz and Rillex in tow. That is, if the lazy latter tressym hadn't decided to stick at the tavern.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Dondon stops and sheepishly goes to hand the pouch back over saying Ah yes...of course...my misunderstanding. Just before Narz can grab the pouch of coins its snapped up by a furious looking Frida. Absolutely not! Dondon I've told you countless times you can't take the inns funds for your own debts! I don't care if you're the owner we need this money to keep the place running, not to pay off whatever debt you've gotten into now! She gives each of you a hard stare, clearly thinking the worst of you. If you're so desperate for money Dondon find it somewhere else!
Claire looks taken aback by Frida's glare, but then turns her own glare towards Narz instead, irritated that his insistence on taking the gold has soured the halfling's opinion of her despite her own show of restraint. She doesn't sustain her glare at the goblinoid, though, dropping it after only a moment as she responds to Frida with an apologetic smile. "Worry not. If you need this gold to continue running your business, WE will not stoop so low as to take your livelyhood, especially over such a mundane task as simply giving Dondon a ride into town." She turns to the others. "Dondon fully intended to keep his promise. That is good enough for me. I will not punish another..." she says, gesturing to Frida, and then back to Dondon. "...just because the one is a fool."
Claire holds a hand up to the side of her mouth as she addresses Frida once more, as if she is attempting to hide her next comment from Dondon, though she doesn't speak quietly enough for that. "If I were you, however, I would have second thoughts about sharing a business with this fellow."
Rollo looks a little annoyed at the whole thing. "While I don't condone taking from others to pay off your own debts the halfling did make a promise, and he does own the establishment. Technically he is taking from himself to pay his own debts. However, if taking this money will bankrupt the establishment then I will take my portion, and pay it to Ms. Frida here to do with as she sees fit for the good of the place."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Claire beams at Rollo, and nods vigorously. "A splendid idea, dear Rollo! Yes! You may do that with my portion as well. Looks like you're getting a bonus this week, Miss Frida." Claire then looks to Narz and Torsus. "... Rollo makes another good point though. If Dondon does indeed own the establishment, and if the coin is technically his anyways, I suppose I can't fault you for taking what you feel is your share. Not my place to disapprove, really," the woman says, though she clearly does.
Narz is completely unfazed by either glares or hard stares. Although Frida's taking notice of the exchange was a somewhat unexpected event, it was not so outside the realm to even so much as make the hardened goblinoid flinch. Although Claire's insistence on acting on everyone's behalf and undermine the deal certainly has him slowly balling up a fist at his side, but keeping to a neutral expression. Only her remission, if only in part, prompts him to relax and fold his hands behind his back.
"My... apologies for the kerfuffle, but a deal is a deal. Which appearantly there's been some confusion in regards to, as some of you were still getting yourself together at the time. And while I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea of airing out dirty business..." He eyes Dondon specifically. "The payment was for saving your life. With the escort being but a courtesy. That, which you paid back in kind with free drinks and board, and is appreciated." Narz draws himself up and puffs out his chest a bit. "But as it was informal arrangement with the exact amount never fully being discussed... I'll take my cut, and find another place of respite as to avoid further complicating things for you."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Frida looks back to Claire and Rollo with another appraising look, clearly feeling she may have been hasty to judge before glaring back at Narz. Fine fine take your cut and be done with it. As for you two I appreciate the gesture, though for the record despite Dondons boasting we share ownership, something my cousin here always seems to forget when he treats the inns money like his own personal piggy bank! Maybe if you ran the inn Dondon I could get some actual work done around here! Your great grandma Dwhavel didn't send us here to spend our days running a failing inn! Why don't you make yourself useful and serve the guests! Dondon looks quite embarrassed but nods and goes to start serving drinks. As for you lot! You're only staying what, the night and no longer? Then fine keep the rooms but any longer and your paying for the stay. Breakfast is at 8.
Aeyd would sit and watch the kerfuffle with nothing more than a cocked brow. After Frida had explained the situation, the elf would refuse the money (if unable she will do what Claire and Rollo did) as it seemed they needed it much more than she did at this moment in time. "I will pay for my room for the night as well, if you don't mind," She says finally. "I am one who likes to support small businesses in any way that I can." She pauses for a second. "Erm... Not small as in... your... size... The establishment... business." Eventually, she waves a hand. "Anywho. I also apologize for the fuss, Miss Frida. Thank you for letting us stay." She bows her head in respect towards the woman.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Frida looks at Aeyd curiously before chuckling. Its okay hun, its a turn of phrase, got nothing to do with race. Anyway a silver for a bed for the night including dinner and breakfast. Dinners at 6 by the way, ya just missed lunch so hope your not too hungry. With Dondon off serving customers and Frida seemingly satisfied more or less you all get settled in to your rooms. There's one for the guys and one for the girls both containing 3 beds. The rooms here are much more comfortable as they seemed to be designed for a medium sized patrons. The beds are proper feather beds with wool blankets, certainly nicer than one may have expected.
Torsus, while all this is going on you're wandering through various shops in the area. Most don't have much of interest so you don't spend long in them, that is until you reach a local pawn shop. Outside a old run down looking woodframed building hangs an even older looking copper sign that reads "Waukeens Wares". Entering you find a cramped space full of what seems to be disorganized junk in piles reaching to the ceiling in some cases. Small foot paths seem to be made between to the junk to allow you to walk further in the building. When you walk close to the center of the room you hear a voice from behind one of the piles call out Oh a customer! One second one second! After several seconds and a few clangs as items fall to the ground a shady looking human with pale, wrinkled skin dotted with liverspots shuffles out from a pile of junk. Oh! A Tortle! Haven't seen one of you in.....ever! Just what I read in books. Don't suppose you'd like to pawn your shell would you? No? Maybe another time then oh but how can I, Cyrus, help you? You proceed to tell the man what you are looking for and he seems to contemplate for a long time before it seems he has an idea and shuffles off beckoning you to wait.
A few more loud bangs and a momentary scare as one of the piles shifts and looks about to fall on you before settling as the proprietor picks something up from the bottom Cyrus finally returns and places four items on his cluttered desk, a book, a wand, a leather helm and a set of plate armor. So...interested in odd magic items are ye. Well, these particular curios are the finest in my collection! Er well rather they are the easiest to find in my collection! He says with equal pride. So, which should I tell you about first I wonder....ah let's start with the wand. The man picks up a wand that looks a bit like a sick thats be struck by lightning. This is the Wand of Lightening. Its quick a simple item really. It has three uses in the day, recharging some of those every morning. When you use its command word you instantly loose your appetite and feel full for the rest of the day, like so. POTAGE! Oh dammit why did I do that I just made lunch! Oh its also important for you to know you may feel full for the rest of the day but you won't be full. This isn't a Wand of Goodberry afterall. You still need to eat or you'll wake up starving, use it too much and you still die of starvation still....good if you're looking to loose a few pounds!
Placing the wand back on the table the old man looks around and decides to pick up the helmet next. A old looking helmet of faded leather with some minor padding to help against the cold, the old man lifts it up as if to see if itnwpuld even fit you. Satisfied it would he says Now this! Well its a leather helmet. Not much protection without the rest of the armor but its not just an ordinary helmet mind you! No no Gary here, I call him Gary by the way, is sentient! Sort of anyway. I call this one the Helm of Encouragement. While you are attuned to the helmet it will offer some kind hearted words every now and then to give you the love and encouragement your father surely never did! The man who pawned this off used to be quite the sad sack before having this made. He was much chipper when he finally felt the need to part with it. He did kill himself a week later but I'm sure that has nothing to do with anything.
Before you can question anything he immediately picks up the book and asks Do you journal? Its good to write down thoughts and dreams and oh especially grocery lists! I always forget the milk ya know. This journal...ah well it won't help with any of that but! It will journal, itself that is. Look. He opens the book and before your eyes you see words printing themselves on the page. And then the old man opened me to show me off to a rather ugly looking thing. I've never seen a creature such as this and it makes me wonder if perhaps the old shopkeeper had accidentally summoned a demon again. I believe this will make the 4th accidental summoning. The paladins will surely execute him this time around and then what will happen to me I won- Cyrus slams the book shut and laughs. HeHehe ah oh um...don't worry about all that nonsense. The journal likes to ramble. Still the journal will keep track of events around it, albeit from its own perspective. It also tends to reflect on these things and often the meaning of life and its very existence. If I was a semi sentient journal I'd mope all day too I suppose. Just be sure not to leave it in your pack unless you want an entry about what the items in your pack did all day!
Cyrus places the journal down and walks over to the plate armor, rubbing a wrinkled hand along its eedges. Hoho...now this....this is...well its shit but a clever mind could find use for it perhaps. This armor was a result of a failed experiment by a fighter who wanted to be a wizard in his attempt to create the perfect armor. This is the Anti-sword armor. Under normal circumstances it functions as normal plate armor but, when your opponent uses a sword well, you'll both be in for a shock! Cyrus draws a shortsword from where you have no idea and begins to scream loudly. He swings the sword at the armor and as the blade is about to touch the metal it becomes ethereal and the sword passes through the armor. Cyrus, unable to stop his momentum does a full 360 spin and accidently cuts off the head of a mannequin behind him. A little embarrassed he sheaths the sword and gestures to the armor. As you can see, any sword trying to damage the armor will simply pass right through. Unfortunately that affect will not apply to the person wearing the armor! As I said the fighter who longed to be a wizard was trying to make the perfect set of armor. He was quite talented even if his first attempt failed. If he hadn't died testing it he may have eventually succeeded too! Well probably not. So any of these catch your interest my shelled friend?