"Eh, fine. I haven't anythin' better tae do anyway. Lead the way. " Khazan stands up and starts heading to the door, stops and wait for the two other dwarfs to join him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With that, Bartheads off into the afternoon and the streets of Tamor with broken clouds up above. The Canvas Tier is easy enough to find; it's the plateau up many, many stairs. There are two slopes, which help bring heavy supplies, or those who are movement impaired. But it's quick you get the impression these are for those who need it essentially.
Up several stairs, which are broken up into many flights, making rests easy with plenty of worn, but comfortable wooden benches along the way. As Bartclimbs the central stairs, he comes to the landing and sees a wide, large building. Pale, textured walls with slate tiles upon its great roof. The only one on this part of the town: This must be the Slate Hall.
Even by its entrance you find people loitering, chatting, smoking. Through double-doors is a foyer of fine leather chairs of multiple people, small bookshelves and a board with notices that open up into the main hall A grand space, well-lit of sconces, candles and chandeliers show off the slate floor and wooden interior and furnishings in a welcome warm light but somehow without the heat, as it wasn't cold outside. To the left there is a large simple stage, currently occupied by a dark red tiefling spouting poetry dressed on long pale robes. Dotted in front, round tables with stools scattered around them. Along the walls are alcoves with dark cushioned seating all around; all currently unoccupied. To the right, a long bar of smooth slate with manned by two people currently, but easily could hold more.
You have caught the attention of a bar staff and she smiles your way before a shout catches your attention, over the droning verse of the tiefling.
"Bart? Bart, it is you!" An older man at the nearest table peers over some glasses.
You recognise the voice of the man before even seeing him, a warm emotion spreads through your chest. An average height man, now white hair, piercing eyes. As he comes in for hug, you still smell various herbs. You're brought back to the herbalist shop, many years ago, watching him prepare bunches of dollbeat, willish leaves with the curious eyes of a child. It's Edgar Burr, a man who used to supply your parents place of work and a true family friend.
As he pulls out, "It's so good to see you! Although, I've got to ask, what are you doing down south?"
=========
Mesla follows through with her word and brings you into the room... or space. Behind the door a round table of stone, a distant spotlight lighting it with a silver, but intricately designed silver-looking case. The elven woman places a wooden stool for the halfling to get a better look at the relic.
History Check: 3
You recognise the item to be ancient elven, which used to have a widespread empire far to the east with the neighbouring dragonborn. They used to hold magical scrolls, important notices and the like.
One depiction you make out a figure in the stars; the known favoured god of the elves is the one of magic and the arts. A prevalent symbol meaning beauty in Elvish and twisting mechanism to open. You're sure there's a sequence, but can't really make out what it is...
((Daffafle, make a skill check in Arcana, Performance and Sleight of Hand check, please. Then state three different sequence attempts to try and open the case!))
=========
While Wulcrathis heading back to the cart, a large figure double-takes. It's a black dragonborn, looking pleasantly surprised and he approaches you, speaking in draconic, "Bahamut's blessing, brother. So good to a see a fellow this far east! Where have you come from to get all the way here?"
=========
Dobin raises his eyebrows at Khazan while Ruz empties his drink, "Oh, someone's keen! Alright, meet us at the gate, we've got to get some things and we'll meet you there!"
Bart gives a broad, genuine smile. “Edgar Burr. Good to see you.” Bart looks the man over and then himself, realizing he probably doesn’t look the same as the last time he saw Mr Burr.
”I’ve taken up a bit of high-risk, high-reward work. You see... the library I was working at lost its patron. They’re short on money, and I figure a bit of fame and a bit of ‘adventuring’ so to speak might help keep it open and find a new patron.” Bart spreads out a few coins. “See? I’ve earned this in just a few days! Admittedly, I’ve been nearly killed several times as well, but still!”
Frowning in concentration, Daffafle circles the box, examining the symbols. As she does so, she casts a ritual, allowing her to identify the box, hoping for some insight into opening it.
Arcana: 6
Noticing the symbol for beauty, and recognizing the elves love of the finer arts, Daffafle combines prestidigitation and minor illusion to create a performance like her practice in the tavern.
performance: 6
Finally, Daffafle attempts to press in the symbol for beauty, hoping her display satisfies the box.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“That didn’t work,” Daffafle scratches her chin, squinting at the box. “A different combination, then.”
Focusing, the halfling attempts to create a display of beauty, creating small bursts of fireworks and an illusory miniature ballet. performance: 9 “And perhaps a more impressive display of magic...” Daffafle’s fingers weave in intricate patterns as she chants, summoning a ghostly blue sword, it’s hilt inlaid with raven etchings (spiritual weapon). The sword swishes elegantly in the air, hovering beside the chest.
arcana: 17
Finally, Daffafle presses I the stary symbols representing the elven deity, then twists the symbol for beauty.
Khazan nods at Ruz and heads out, back to the cart. On the way back he looks for a pawn shop or a blacksmith where to sell some of his un-used equipment.
Grinning as he listens to Bart's update, he heartily chuckles at the half-elf's mention of life-risking escapades thinking it to be a metaphor. "Well done, my boy, well done!" He lets the amusement out before nodding at the mention of the library, "I heard, sadly. Arjen is struggling. But he's not the only one; all over the city, funding is beginning to dry up. It's... not looking good. Hey, do me a favour and let your parents know you're doing alright. They know you're good, but they do worry."
He snaps up and gives Barta tap on the arm, "well if you've got that sort of coin, you'll be staying in a place like this tonight, eh?"
=========
Daffafle's Identify spell only reveals the case confirms the magic for locking, a spell to intensely burn whatever is inside after three failed attempts to unlock the case.
The first attempt doesn't go exactly to plan. Some of the spells fizzle out before their sequence, and the movements aren't so in sync with the flare of the magic. Daffafledoes manage to find the groove of the locking mechanism at the end and manages the press and pull technique on the starry symbols required and the fact it should be last in the sequence.
The second attempt is much better. While the dazzling sparks of the summoned raven blade, the halflings gestures and movements fail to match the spectacle of the spell. The sequence of this attempt feels correct.
((Successful rolls of previous attempts are kept, and you've discovered the correct sequence. A successful Performance check is all that is required now.))
=========
Much like Thildeholme, Khazanneeds only to follow the sounds of metal being hammered not so far away.
He sees a female dwarf, her black hair tied up in two buns. She reaches a natural end to this stage of her work placing the metal in the water to cool. In dwarven she asks, "Oh aye, good timing. What can I help you with?"
Wulcrath is pleasantly surprised to see the Black Dragonborn, extending a hand in greeting.
"And to you as well friend!"
His smile falters for a second before he collects himself, thinking about why he's truly found himself here. "Uh... Travel and Adventure, what else? He says, grin widening a bit. "Expanding my horizons and such." "What about you?"
"I was hoping I could sell or trade this javelins here. I don't use them, I don't even know why I have them with me. They're good quality and could be useful to someone coming to your shop."
Khazan plants the four javelins in the ground in front of him, ready to be examinated.
"In case you don't want them, could you poiint me to someone that might be interested in them?"
“Maybe! I’ll have to check with my friends. This sort of work, it’s probably not a good idea to go anywhere alone where we might be vulnerable. Sleeping is... nervous.” Bart shakes edgar’s hand. “But thanks, Mr Burr. I’ll send a letter home, soon.”
Bart looks around. “What is this place precisely?”
Feeling more confident, Daffafle begins her final display to coax the box open. She begins with minor illusions of tiny trees, their leaves long fallen. With prestidigitation, she creates the sound of the wind howling, ravens cawing. To complete her miniature representation of the shadowfell, she reforms the illusion that of a dark throne, engraved with feathers.
"I'm a sword for hire. And got hit pretty bad by a gryphon," He shows Wulcrathfaint scar on his shoulder, the scales there look smooth and very with the skin underneath healed completely. "The healers here did some excellent work. It's only been three days, and the arm was nearly off! So I'm heading back towards the wall now; I got my coin. Have you tried mercenary work? Might suit you..."
=========
After a swig, the dwarven smith answers Khazan, "Sure, lad. 15sp each sound good. The quality looks fine enough from here..." She picks one up and feels their weight, giving it an impressive nod.
=========
Edgarplaces another hand on top of Bart's as he shakes it, before looking around the hall at Bart's question. "Oh! This place is known for a vast array of performers; the Crimson Chalice, Zolya Amaen, the Bollis Brothers and the well-known Jow Bulogs! And that;s to name a few, it's a venue for performances while doubling as a very fine inn. The food is marvellous, I just had a little bite just now."
He then blinks, "Who're these friends of yours? You must introduce us..."
“Oh, you’d like them. Daffafle, she’s a very pleasant Halfling woman. Very impressive, knowledgeable and uses magic! Powerful stuff too, not just basic light spells or something. And then there’s Wulcrath, friendliest, strongest, unluckiest dragonborn I’ve ever met, but he doesn’t give up, I like that about him. Oh and Aazazel. He’s a half orc- AND - a paladin if you can believe it. But he lives up to the name. Good man. Oh and Khazan. He’s a hairy dwarf. He’s alright.”
Bart babbles on for a bit about what they look like.
Wulcrath studies the Dragonborn's wound, eyes widening in surprise as he listens to his story.
"Huh... Only avoided losing it by that much? Those healers sound like masters of the craft. I'm glad you managed to get it fixed in time..."
Calming down a bit Wulcrath tries to remember some of his previous endeavours. "Oh Mercenary Work hmm? I guess you could say I've dabbled in it, I took up odd jobs and such in my travels, enough to stay afloat... I suppose I have then yes... Why do you ask?"
In the looming darkness, Daffafleshows all her skill with magics, her intricate movements with the sparks of the arcane and the swift twist and press of the case's mechanical aspect to the lock. A satisfying click is heard as a rolled scrolls is eased out onto the surface.
Mesla claps, "Well, well. You only needed a moment, get used to the thing before it unravelled in your fingers. Well done; its contents is all yours." Mesla swoops in and retrieves the case.
Opening the scroll there is a letter not in Common, you can assume it is in ancient Elvish and a map displaying a tree in the shape of a stag; its antlers spreading out to be branches, and an arrow pointing between the gnarled, protruding roots.
==========
With a solid nod she hands over the coin of 45sp. She thanks Khazanfor his custom, chucks a little pastry snack into her mouth before getting back to work.
=========
"Oh, wonderful! A dragonborn, too?! My my, Bart. I always knew you'd attract all sorts."Edgarchuckles before look away briefly and nods to himself. "Yes, why don't you go and fetch them? We can watch the show tonight with a room for all of you. My treat!" He taps his nose before heading off and getting one of the staff member's attention.
“A puzzle within the puzzle,” Daffafle muses, staring at the map. “Are you familiar with this tree or its location?” she asks, showing the parchment to Mesla.
"They were pretty good for the scale-less, yeah."The dragonborn gives a shrug, "just checking in. These people are happy to pay for a 'might dragonborn with magic breath', often willing for a solid coin... keep an eye out where you can." He gives Wulcrath a pat on the shoulder before moving on...
=========
Melsawhips up the case, her eyes scanning every crevice her her hands couldn't reach. She remembers where she is and her eyes rest on the map for a moment, "Can't say I do. But then, I haven't explored the forests here."
=========
Dobinand Ruzmeet Khazan, and they're quick to head north east in the rough hills. They're quite easy to ascend as there's smooth, meandering grooves that divide the rocky outcrops of usual, naturally forming hills...
Khazan Survival check: 3
It's seems to be a while, but despite the winds and nice views - does Khazan continue with the hunt?
"Eh, fine. I haven't anythin' better tae do anyway. Lead the way. "
Khazan stands up and starts heading to the door, stops and wait for the two other dwarfs to join him.
With that, Bart heads off into the afternoon and the streets of Tamor with broken clouds up above. The Canvas Tier is easy enough to find; it's the plateau up many, many stairs. There are two slopes, which help bring heavy supplies, or those who are movement impaired. But it's quick you get the impression these are for those who need it essentially.
Up several stairs, which are broken up into many flights, making rests easy with plenty of worn, but comfortable wooden benches along the way. As Bart climbs the central stairs, he comes to the landing and sees a wide, large building. Pale, textured walls with slate tiles upon its great roof. The only one on this part of the town: This must be the Slate Hall.
Even by its entrance you find people loitering, chatting, smoking. Through double-doors is a foyer of fine leather chairs of multiple people, small bookshelves and a board with notices that open up into the main hall A grand space, well-lit of sconces, candles and chandeliers show off the slate floor and wooden interior and furnishings in a welcome warm light but somehow without the heat, as it wasn't cold outside. To the left there is a large simple stage, currently occupied by a dark red tiefling spouting poetry dressed on long pale robes. Dotted in front, round tables with stools scattered around them. Along the walls are alcoves with dark cushioned seating all around; all currently unoccupied. To the right, a long bar of smooth slate with manned by two people currently, but easily could hold more.
You have caught the attention of a bar staff and she smiles your way before a shout catches your attention, over the droning verse of the tiefling.
"Bart? Bart, it is you!" An older man at the nearest table peers over some glasses.
You recognise the voice of the man before even seeing him, a warm emotion spreads through your chest. An average height man, now white hair, piercing eyes. As he comes in for hug, you still smell various herbs. You're brought back to the herbalist shop, many years ago, watching him prepare bunches of dollbeat, willish leaves with the curious eyes of a child. It's Edgar Burr, a man who used to supply your parents place of work and a true family friend.
As he pulls out, "It's so good to see you! Although, I've got to ask, what are you doing down south?"
=========
Mesla follows through with her word and brings you into the room... or space. Behind the door a round table of stone, a distant spotlight lighting it with a silver, but intricately designed silver-looking case. The elven woman places a wooden stool for the halfling to get a better look at the relic.
History Check: 3
You recognise the item to be ancient elven, which used to have a widespread empire far to the east with the neighbouring dragonborn. They used to hold magical scrolls, important notices and the like.
One depiction you make out a figure in the stars; the known favoured god of the elves is the one of magic and the arts. A prevalent symbol meaning beauty in Elvish and twisting mechanism to open. You're sure there's a sequence, but can't really make out what it is...
((Daffafle, make a skill check in Arcana, Performance and Sleight of Hand check, please. Then state three different sequence attempts to try and open the case!))
=========
While Wulcrath is heading back to the cart, a large figure double-takes. It's a black dragonborn, looking pleasantly surprised and he approaches you, speaking in draconic, "Bahamut's blessing, brother. So good to a see a fellow this far east! Where have you come from to get all the way here?"
=========
Dobin raises his eyebrows at Khazan while Ruz empties his drink, "Oh, someone's keen! Alright, meet us at the gate, we've got to get some things and we'll meet you there!"
Bart gives a broad, genuine smile. “Edgar Burr. Good to see you.” Bart looks the man over and then himself, realizing he probably doesn’t look the same as the last time he saw Mr Burr.
”I’ve taken up a bit of high-risk, high-reward work. You see... the library I was working at lost its patron. They’re short on money, and I figure a bit of fame and a bit of ‘adventuring’ so to speak might help keep it open and find a new patron.” Bart spreads out a few coins. “See? I’ve earned this in just a few days! Admittedly, I’ve been nearly killed several times as well, but still!”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Frowning in concentration, Daffafle circles the box, examining the symbols. As she does so, she casts a ritual, allowing her to identify the box, hoping for some insight into opening it.
Arcana: 6
Noticing the symbol for beauty, and recognizing the elves love of the finer arts, Daffafle combines prestidigitation and minor illusion to create a performance like her practice in the tavern.
performance: 6
Finally, Daffafle attempts to press in the symbol for beauty, hoping her display satisfies the box.
sleight of hand: 22
“That didn’t work,” Daffafle scratches her chin, squinting at the box. “A different combination, then.”
Focusing, the halfling attempts to create a display of beauty, creating small bursts of fireworks and an illusory miniature ballet.
performance: 9
“And perhaps a more impressive display of magic...” Daffafle’s fingers weave in intricate patterns as she chants, summoning a ghostly blue sword, it’s hilt inlaid with raven etchings (spiritual weapon). The sword swishes elegantly in the air, hovering beside the chest.
arcana: 17
Finally, Daffafle presses I the stary symbols representing the elven deity, then twists the symbol for beauty.
sleight of hand18
Khazan nods at Ruz and heads out, back to the cart.
On the way back he looks for a pawn shop or a blacksmith where to sell some of his un-used equipment.
Grinning as he listens to Bart's update, he heartily chuckles at the half-elf's mention of life-risking escapades thinking it to be a metaphor. "Well done, my boy, well done!" He lets the amusement out before nodding at the mention of the library, "I heard, sadly. Arjen is struggling. But he's not the only one; all over the city, funding is beginning to dry up. It's... not looking good. Hey, do me a favour and let your parents know you're doing alright. They know you're good, but they do worry."
He snaps up and gives Bart a tap on the arm, "well if you've got that sort of coin, you'll be staying in a place like this tonight, eh?"
=========
Daffafle's Identify spell only reveals the case confirms the magic for locking, a spell to intensely burn whatever is inside after three failed attempts to unlock the case.
The first attempt doesn't go exactly to plan. Some of the spells fizzle out before their sequence, and the movements aren't so in sync with the flare of the magic. Daffafle does manage to find the groove of the locking mechanism at the end and manages the press and pull technique on the starry symbols required and the fact it should be last in the sequence.
The second attempt is much better. While the dazzling sparks of the summoned raven blade, the halflings gestures and movements fail to match the spectacle of the spell. The sequence of this attempt feels correct.
((Successful rolls of previous attempts are kept, and you've discovered the correct sequence. A successful Performance check is all that is required now.))
=========
Much like Thildeholme, Khazan needs only to follow the sounds of metal being hammered not so far away.
He sees a female dwarf, her black hair tied up in two buns. She reaches a natural end to this stage of her work placing the metal in the water to cool. In dwarven she asks, "Oh aye, good timing. What can I help you with?"
Wulcrath is pleasantly surprised to see the Black Dragonborn, extending a hand in greeting.
"And to you as well friend!"
His smile falters for a second before he collects himself, thinking about why he's truly found himself here. "Uh... Travel and Adventure, what else? He says, grin widening a bit. "Expanding my horizons and such." "What about you?"
Responding in dwarven
"I was hoping I could sell or trade this javelins here. I don't use them, I don't even know why I have them with me. They're good quality and could be useful to someone coming to your shop."
Khazan plants the four javelins in the ground in front of him, ready to be examinated.
"In case you don't want them, could you poiint me to someone that might be interested in them?"
“Maybe! I’ll have to check with my friends. This sort of work, it’s probably not a good idea to go anywhere alone where we might be vulnerable. Sleeping is... nervous.” Bart shakes edgar’s hand. “But thanks, Mr Burr. I’ll send a letter home, soon.”
Bart looks around. “What is this place precisely?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Feeling more confident, Daffafle begins her final display to coax the box open. She begins with minor illusions of tiny trees, their leaves long fallen. With prestidigitation, she creates the sound of the wind howling, ravens cawing. To complete her miniature representation of the shadowfell, she reforms the illusion that of a dark throne, engraved with feathers.
performace: 21
"I'm a sword for hire. And got hit pretty bad by a gryphon," He shows Wulcrath faint scar on his shoulder, the scales there look smooth and very with the skin underneath healed completely. "The healers here did some excellent work. It's only been three days, and the arm was nearly off! So I'm heading back towards the wall now; I got my coin. Have you tried mercenary work? Might suit you..."
=========
After a swig, the dwarven smith answers Khazan, "Sure, lad. 15sp each sound good. The quality looks fine enough from here..." She picks one up and feels their weight, giving it an impressive nod.
=========
Edgar places another hand on top of Bart's as he shakes it, before looking around the hall at Bart's question. "Oh! This place is known for a vast array of performers; the Crimson Chalice, Zolya Amaen, the Bollis Brothers and the well-known Jow Bulogs! And that;s to name a few, it's a venue for performances while doubling as a very fine inn. The food is marvellous, I just had a little bite just now."
He then blinks, "Who're these friends of yours? You must introduce us..."
“Oh, you’d like them. Daffafle, she’s a very pleasant Halfling woman. Very impressive, knowledgeable and uses magic! Powerful stuff too, not just basic light spells or something. And then there’s Wulcrath, friendliest, strongest, unluckiest dragonborn I’ve ever met, but he doesn’t give up, I like that about him. Oh and Aazazel. He’s a half orc- AND - a paladin if you can believe it. But he lives up to the name. Good man. Oh and Khazan. He’s a hairy dwarf. He’s alright.”
Bart babbles on for a bit about what they look like.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Wulcrath studies the Dragonborn's wound, eyes widening in surprise as he listens to his story.
"Huh... Only avoided losing it by that much? Those healers sound like masters of the craft. I'm glad you managed to get it fixed in time..."
Calming down a bit Wulcrath tries to remember some of his previous endeavours. "Oh Mercenary Work hmm? I guess you could say I've dabbled in it, I took up odd jobs and such in my travels, enough to stay afloat... I suppose I have then yes... Why do you ask?"
Khazan scratches his head and sighs.
"Not exactly the price I was hoping for, but I haven't time to bargain. 15s a piece sounds good enough, I'll take it."
In the looming darkness, Daffafle shows all her skill with magics, her intricate movements with the sparks of the arcane and the swift twist and press of the case's mechanical aspect to the lock. A satisfying click is heard as a rolled scrolls is eased out onto the surface.
Mesla claps, "Well, well. You only needed a moment, get used to the thing before it unravelled in your fingers. Well done; its contents is all yours." Mesla swoops in and retrieves the case.
Opening the scroll there is a letter not in Common, you can assume it is in ancient Elvish and a map displaying a tree in the shape of a stag; its antlers spreading out to be branches, and an arrow pointing between the gnarled, protruding roots.
==========
With a solid nod she hands over the coin of 45sp. She thanks Khazan for his custom, chucks a little pastry snack into her mouth before getting back to work.
=========
"Oh, wonderful! A dragonborn, too?! My my, Bart. I always knew you'd attract all sorts." Edgar chuckles before look away briefly and nods to himself. "Yes, why don't you go and fetch them? We can watch the show tonight with a room for all of you. My treat!" He taps his nose before heading off and getting one of the staff member's attention.
“A puzzle within the puzzle,” Daffafle muses, staring at the map. “Are you familiar with this tree or its location?” she asks, showing the parchment to Mesla.
Khazan takes the coins, nods to the smith as a way to wave off the smith and heads to back to the gate to wait for his newfund hunting companions.
"They were pretty good for the scale-less, yeah." The dragonborn gives a shrug, "just checking in. These people are happy to pay for a 'might dragonborn with magic breath', often willing for a solid coin... keep an eye out where you can." He gives Wulcrath a pat on the shoulder before moving on...
=========
Melsa whips up the case, her eyes scanning every crevice her her hands couldn't reach. She remembers where she is and her eyes rest on the map for a moment, "Can't say I do. But then, I haven't explored the forests here."
=========
Dobin and Ruz meet Khazan, and they're quick to head north east in the rough hills. They're quite easy to ascend as there's smooth, meandering grooves that divide the rocky outcrops of usual, naturally forming hills...
Khazan Survival check: 3
It's seems to be a while, but despite the winds and nice views - does Khazan continue with the hunt?
Khazan stops for a brief moment, clears the sweat on his brow with the back of his hand and looks at the other two dwarves.
"Apologies mates, tracking down never been my strong suit. I'm usually the one striking them down. But I'll find the damned beast, be assured of that."
He takes a sips from the waterskin, kneels down and start studying the terrain in search of a trail.
Survival check: 16
If he succeds in finding a trail, he'll follow it trying to be stealthy not to alarm any animal nearby.
Stealth check: 10