"Good sister, I am Alvywin "Gnippen" Eivler, a paladin in service of the Morninglord, Lathander, and his holy Order of the Aster. Lathander has always counted Tymora amongst his friends, and I hope that we may follow in our patron gods' footsteps. My order has sent me to assist a half-elf who has ran into a bit of an undead problem."
"Unfortunately, I have no Holy Water or Powdered Silver with which to create Holy Water. I would be forever in your debt if you were able to assist me. I believe my companions and I will not be leaving until the morrow, for as those in service of Lathander believe, fortune smiles brightest on those actions taken at the wake of dawn. I understand that typically neither Holy Water nor Powdered Silver would be something you would hand out to any passerby. In exchange for your assistance I can offer you my services as a Paladin or a healer. Alternatively, while I do not believe I am attuned to the fortunes of Tymora as well as you, perhaps we could leave the matter up to luck? My friend here,"Gnippen pats Tim's dog saddlebags, "happens to be carrying a deck of cards."
Garaele smiles. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Alvywin. I do have a vial of Holy Water, which I can give you at cost... sadly the silver powder is rare enough here that I do not have more nor can I give it away for free."
She glances over your arms and armor. "If your path is taking you northeast, and you don't remind a return trip, there is a service you might be able to provide for me in exchange for the holy water as well as a few other potions. A bit... unconventional, but worthwhile to me."
As the gnome leaves with his trusty companion in follow, Elyham slides into the spot left warm by the gnome's behind. "I must admit, in all of the chaos I did not catch your names! But we'll get to that soon enough. You were asking about my reasons for being here in Phandalin?" Elyham addresses Feredir, whom she has surmised is such by the conversations at hand.
Social situations have always been a little awkward for my character, and she's a little bit of an eccentric.
"I am merely a passerby to this place honestly. The tavern owner was kind enough to rent me a room for the last week at a decent rate, and I've had pretty good luck playing music for the patrons in the evenings. I do feel though, that my time in this town is coming to an abrupt end. It may be best if I move one soon before some of the arch-magus' trackers catch u..." Elyham snaps her mouth shut, knowing again that she is saying too much. For some reason, she knows that the two sitting across from her are not a threat her, but the glimpse she caught earlier through the window has her unnerved.
"My lady, though I am unsure of the exact direction my quest wanders, apart from deeper into the Sword Mountains, whatever task you may have of me I would be more than willing to pursue."
"If I may be so bold my lady, it also appears you may have been injured recently. If you may but allow me I can attempt to heal you."
Garaele nods. "It may be a bit out of your way then, but I would be most appreciative for the aid. The destination is outside the ruins of Conyberry, some fifty miles up the Triboar Trail. There's a piece of information I seek, and you seem a respectful fellow who might be able to coax it out of where it hides. Are you traveling alone?"
"And thank you for the kind offer. The flesh mends, but even magic doesn't keep a wound from being sore for a few days after. I am fine"
Sia watches Elyham, with a hint of a smirk. "Talkative, aren't you? My name is Sia Larnathai, of the Silver Quivers."She leans forward as she speaks, one hand on the table near her tankard. "Thank you for the ale. That was some phrase you spouted earlier about Duregen... where did you hear that?"
Anyone opposed to me accepting this quest for later? My character would most likely pledge to perform the task if he had enough information to know that the cause is just, but I don't want to pull the party in a random or even split direction after we venture into the Sword Mountains.
"I always have at least one loyal companion traveling with me,"Gnippen reaches down and runs his hand through the fur behind Tim's ears. Tim lets out a happy deep bark. "As stated before, I am presently vowed to assist someone with an undead problem and there are lives at stake. It may be a week or so before I am able to make my way up Triboar Trail. I would also need to know a little more about the information you seek. While I do not doubt your good and just character, fifty miles up Triboar Trail is a long way to travel for a piece of information, and ruins often hold peril which are not immediately evident."
"If I promised to perform this task for you, would you be willing to provide the Holy Water and Potions up front? Those supplies could be the difference between fortune and defeat. If such a contract were struck, I would give you my word as a Paladin of the Order of the Aster to uphold my end of bargain."
Throughout the conversation, Gnippen has slowly become a little more suspicious of the Elven lady. The errand she proposes seems like a hard travel for just a piece of information, Gnippen has seldomly encountered injured people who have refused offered healing, and why is there the sudden interest in traveling companions? Insight - 17
You can tell that she is being intentionally vague, but you don't detect malice or deception in the way she speaks. From the way she looks around the square, she may just not want to speak openly about all the details of the task.
You do know, from your previous battle experience, that even the miracle of divine magic does not remove every trace of injury. A particularly grievous wound might be sore, itch, or have other lingering discomfort long after the healing energy has run its course and mended flesh and bone, to which time is the only additional remedy. You surmise that if she is a cleric, she has probably already healed herself to the extent possible with a Cure Wounds spell.
Gnippen Persuasion - 14
Garaele places a hand gingerly on her side, the one you guessed had been injured. "Of course, I only ask because the road is dangerous to travel alone. Goblins infest the hills and forests in that region, and I've even heard the townmaster has a bounty on orcs near the area, should you take the trip there. I narrowly escaped an ambush when I attempted to make the trip, and wish I had been traveling with stout companions. Come, follow me inside and I'll explain further."
She proceeds inside the small cottage adjacent to the shrine. The cottage is lit from a few small candles, as well as a merry little fire in the hearth. Each window has a pot of colored flowers. A small table is set next to the hearth, with simple cookware and clay dishes. A green woolen rug, with a small offering bowl and incense plate, appears to be a place of meditation. Garaele motions to a stool by the table, and begins to prepare a small pot of tea.
"I have been tasked with a somewhat delicate mission, which is why I didn't want to speak so directly outside. There is a creature in Conyberry, an old soul who was once a great diviner. She became obsessed with her own vanity, and after she died her spirit lingered on as a banshee. I've heard tales that if someone flatters her vanity, or offers her an appropriate gift, she will answer a single question truthfully."
The tea is done brewing, and she brings you over a cup. She then pulls a small wooden container off a shelf, which she places on the table. Opening the container, you see a silver haircomb, inlaid with a line of small red gems.
"I think this is a suitable gift for her to grant an answer. Sadly, when I made the journey there, she did not appear for me." She then closes the lid to the container. "If you can promise me you'll attend to this task within a fortnight, I will give you the comb and the vial of holy water as a down payment. Upon return, I have three healing potions I can offer. If you are not able, well, neither she nor I are going anywhere in the next small while, so you can return when you are able."
I'll be out of town for a few days starting tomorrow, so expect sporadic posting if I get a chance. Tablet ops at best.
"On my oath as a Paladin I will endeavor to return within the fortnight with the answer to your question Sister Garaele. What is the question that you wish I ask of this Banshee?"
While Gnippen is waiting for Sister Garaele to respond, he tries to recall information about banshees. He has honestly never come face-to-face with a Banshee in his life, but who knows what knowledge one picks up during the long hours of study and meditation along the road to becoming a full fledged Paladin.
Edited to shift the second half of my post beneath Josh's last response.
You understand Banshees to be a quite potent undead spirit, oftentimes a spiteful creature formed from the spirit of a female elf. They are both frightening and can lay low the strongest of men with a single, mournful wail.
Garaele looks appreciative. "The question I wish you to ask is this: 'What is the fate of the spellbook of the archmage, Bowgentle?'" She slides the wooden container with the comb over to you. "Her name is Agatha. Be careful that you do not waste your opportunity."
As you prepare to leave, Garaele looks at you. "May my lady's fortune favor you on your travels, Alvywin Eivler."
Elyham, not wanting to respond to Sia with such haste as she previously did to Feredir's question, hesitates for a few seconds before collecting her thoughts on what to tell her. "A long time ago when I was a young woman, i stumbled across an old book that contained stories from old. It may have been in a scholar's cottage in Theragis, where I grew up as a child. I don't remember much more than that honestly, it was so many years in the past." Deception - 9
Elyham slumps slightly into the back of the table, toying with the handle of the flagon of ale perched in front of her. Aside from the sister in town, not many people have actually inquired about her, or her travels. These folk seem genuine enough, heck they've got a dog that stuck around with them.
Sia watches Elyham carefully as she speaks, her own face somewhat impassive.
"Well," she ponders, "perhaps seeing the door of Duregen could dredge up some additional memories or useful information... and perhaps reveal the path to the great treasure you mentioned. The journey will likely be dangerous, but if you are looking for an excuse to move on from Phandalin with urgency, we could have use of your knowledge. Are you willing to work with us?"
Elyham perks up in the booth at the thought of leaving Phandalin... it would be a safer journey with these travelers than wandering the road north alone. "Why yes! I think setting out together would be quite agreeable with me, lady Sia! Let me square up with the tavern owner and collect my things, and I'll be ready to seek out what lies ahead in the Sword Mountains."
Elyham looks up toward the tavern entrance as the gnome and his trusty companion saunter in from their errand. Some task for a sister? He must be referring to Garaele. The look he gives Elyham isn't exactly welcoming, but nevertheless, his dog seems excited to still see you there.
Waltzing over towards the tavern keep, Elyham grabs her dulcimer and backpack from by the fireplace. "Hey Toblin! You wouldn't happen to know anyone who would want to buy this old thing would you?" Elyham shoves the dulcimer onto the bartop, almost knocking over a stack of clean flagons Toblin was washing. "Heck, i bet you could sell it for a good price to the next bard wandering through this town!"
Elyham Persuasion - 15
My thought here is that the barkeep buys the dulcimer, and the amount would be based on the persuasion roll. Typing up the next section in advance of the roll outcome.
Elyham drudges back towards the booth, with the pittance of gold offered to her by Toblin. She paid well more for this thing years ago when she was visiting Neverwinter. At least she doesn't have to lug that thing around the mountains now...
"Okay. I am ready to depart for the Sword Mountains! Shall we gather our party and venture forth?"
Toblin gathers up the flagons in a tight pack, trying to ward off Elyham's advance of destruction.
"Eh, well, I dunno lass, that thing is..."
At which point the young dwarf child who had been earlier helping stir the stew comes sprinting over to the bar, a little toss of a kid, equivalent to a seven year old were he human, with the barest of black fuzz for a beard.
"Da! Da! I like it when the pretty lady plays! Can I have it? Da, pleeeeeease?!"
"Now, come on Pip, ya don't need that thing." Toblin says, looking a bit flustered.
Pip bounces up and down. "Da, ya promised ya'd get me something for my birthday. Can this be it... please get it!"
Toblin sighs, shaking his head, and retrieves a small bag of gold. "Fine, lil' one, but ya have to promise me ya'll take care of it and learn to play it nicely, alright?"
"Alright, Da! I promise!" Toblin takes the dulcimer off the counter and offers Elyham the bag of gold. "At least ya weren't trying to sell us a drum set. Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, a kid with a drum." He hands the Dulcimer to Pip, who runs off excitedly, already plucking at the strings.
Elyham adds 15 gp in trade for the dulcimer.
Sia nods to Feredir, and Elyham as she returns. "I am going to get my armor refit at the coster, fix up this tear, and find Gnippen. If there is anything else you want to do, now's the time. Let's hit the trail south in an hour." She smiles at Elyham, and offers a handshake. "Elyham, welcome aboard."
Last call for shopping, quick investigations, or anything else you want to do before you leave civilization for a while. You'll get about a half-days worth of travel given the current time of day.
In addition, I'll need the marching order for the journey. We can discuss that over discord to save some time.
I'm on leave tomorrow, but back home, so expect a travel post tomorrow early afternoon.
This originally appeared above Josh's post, I have shifted it down here for continuity sake.
After receiving the question, comb, and Holy Water from Sister Garaele, Gnippen bids the sister farewell. Leaving the small cottage, Gnippen and Tim cross the town's center square. Looking through the windows to the Stonehill Inn, Gnippen believes he has spotted his newfound companions still seated in the booth.
Turning his back to the window, Gnippen slowly unpacks Tim's kit from the saddlebags. A few minutes later, Tim has been fully outfitted with his saddle, hide barding, bit, and bridle. Gnippen meanwhile has mounted his shield on his left arm, while his weapons remain in sheaths on his side and back.
With nothing left to do but wait for his companions, Gnippen gingerly leans against the Stonehill Inn and begins to reflect and meditate upon the happenings of the last few days.
Without a word, Feredir eyes his new companion carefully; taking longer than what would be considered good manners for an Elf. His face is stoic and expressionless as his cool dark-green eyes examine Elyham's features, clothing and weapons. Sia has seen this silent inquisition before, and she knows what to do. The standard bet: if the "target" shows any visible or verbal sign of discomfort before the silent minute is up, Feredir wins a silver piece; if they can remain confident, still and silent for the entire minute, Sia wins a silver piece.
INTIMIDATION- 18
Finally, at the end of the ostensibly longest minute of Elyham's life, Feredir extends his hand and exchanges a polite, if somewhat reserved, welcome to their new companion. "Good to have you on board, Elyham. Let us hope our fates bring us all good fortune."
Turning to his friend, he continues "Sia, I think that I'll join you at the armoursmith. I could use a stronger weave myself."
I'd like to purchase some armour with a 14 AC. I have studded leather now, so whatever light to medium armour is available for <20G I'll buy it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elyham Charisma - 18
Elyham:
You feel a bit uncomfortable as the elf gives you the stare-down. After about fifteen seconds, you have to turn away from his gaze, focusing instead on the mug in front of you. You're a bit surprised when he suddenly shifts to a relatively friendly gesture.
Feredir:
You hear a small sigh and Sia slips you a silver below the table.
Also, a DM apology. I was messing with your inventory incase you didn't get a chance to check back in. You technically should have leather (AC 11+dex), and 60-ish gp. You can sell the leather for 1 gp. From the Lionshield Coster, you can get one of the following, should you choose, no additional RP required:
A steel chain shirt set over brown padding, with a dark green tunic fitted over the chain shirt (AC 13+dex (max 2) for 15 total, 45gp)
A set of studded leather, a dusky brown with brushed rivets supporting a reinforced interior (AC 12+dex, for 15 total, 40gp 5 sp)
A set of burnished steel scalemail, with 1" fishlike scales and solid pauldrons and bracers, over a gray gambeson (AC 14+dex (max 2), for 16 total, 45 gp, disadvantage on stealth rolls)
Just pick which one you want and adjust your gold accordingly.
Sia and Feredir return from their final shopping trip to the Lionshield Coster, both spouting new armor. Sia appears particularly pleased that she is no longer wearing torn-up leathers and a tattered tunic. They return to the spot where Elyham, Gnippen, and Tim await.
"Come, the path takes us out of the town to the south. If fortune favors us, we'll make the base of the mountains by nightfall, and close to the first waystone."
As Sia leads you south away from Phandalin, you look back at the little village, lit by the early afternoon sun, smoke trailing from chimneys. Eventually, you cross a hillside and the town disappears into the terrain behind you. Ahead, through the thickening tree cover, you can just barely see the craggy, snow-tipped peaks of the Sword Mountains in the distance. The trees, mostly coniferous, provide a fresh scent, and the crisp spring air feels good in your lungs. The path you are on is little more than a deer trail, though it eventually leads you to a muddy creekbed.
Sia will spend some time catching Elyham up on her story, since she was not present for the entire thing at Stonehill Inn.
On the road! Once you have settled on the marching order and pace, I'll continue. Feel free to RP any discussions you might have while traveling. Adam, check email for the discord link.
As Sia leads the party away from Phandalin, Gnippen leans back into his saddle and reaches into one of Tim's saddlebags.
"I managed to acquire an item that might help us on the road ahead," Gnippen states to the group as he pulls the Holy Water from Tim's saddlebags. "I wouldn't want to be caught in a fight with the undead or a skeleton without this!"
Gnippen proceeds to regale the group of his encounter with Sister Garaele and her quest to confront a banshee for information. "I promised the Good Sister I would endeavor to look into this matter for her within a fortnight. In exchange she would provide us with three healing potions upon completion. Anyone is more than welcome to join me once my vow to assist Sia is satisfied."
"As for the road ahead, I would not want to be caught in the open as night-falls on the footsteps of these mountains. You three seem like a perceptive bunch able to mask your own tracks. Tim, though he unfortunately means well, is not gifted with the ability to conceal his presence." As if to further let home the point, Tim lets loose a loud bark. "I suggest that perhaps we could continue down this road with haste, with the three of you scouting in front. I will stay a short distance back with Tim in the hopes that he does not startle or alert whatever may lay in store for us on the road ahead"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the group follows parallel to the creekbed, you notice that the soft muddy banks harden as the soil becomes more consistent with clay. A pleasent brook burbles in the middle of the creekbed, splashing off small water-worn rocks. Large limestone boulders and ridgelines become apparent, as water seeps along cracks in the stone and colors the stone almost a dark blue - indications that you are leaving the rolling hills of Phandalin behind for the proper mountains.
Sia leads the party, trailed by Elyham and Feredir, while Gnippen (astride Tim) bring up the rear. The pace Sia sets is quick, but not rushed.
Sia Perception (Advantage from group help) - 25
After a few hours, as the sun gets low in the sky and the tree cover takes on an amber glow, Sia suddenly stops, raising a single open hand and closing it quickly into a fist. She then motions to her right, along the edge of a mossy limestone ridge. As the group gathers close, she states in a hushed whisper. "We are not alone. I heard voices, rustling in the woods above. Orcish, I think."
She pauses, then attempts to quietly poke her head above the ridgeline, climbing on a small limestone outcropping.
Sia Stealth - 24
Sia Perception - 21
She ducks back down. "I see one orc, hiding behind a tree within bowshot range..."
Gnippen whispers to the group, "It would strike me as odd if the Orc did not have more compatriots lurking further out of sight. Now that we know where they are we could perhaps sneak past. On the other hand I despise leaving an enemy unaccounted for at our rear. What is your opinion Feredir? As a ranger you undoubtedly possess a wealth of knowledge concerning the lay of the land."
"Good sister, I am Alvywin "Gnippen" Eivler, a paladin in service of the Morninglord, Lathander, and his holy Order of the Aster. Lathander has always counted Tymora amongst his friends, and I hope that we may follow in our patron gods' footsteps. My order has sent me to assist a half-elf who has ran into a bit of an undead problem."
"Unfortunately, I have no Holy Water or Powdered Silver with which to create Holy Water. I would be forever in your debt if you were able to assist me. I believe my companions and I will not be leaving until the morrow, for as those in service of Lathander believe, fortune smiles brightest on those actions taken at the wake of dawn. I understand that typically neither Holy Water nor Powdered Silver would be something you would hand out to any passerby. In exchange for your assistance I can offer you my services as a Paladin or a healer. Alternatively, while I do not believe I am attuned to the fortunes of Tymora as well as you, perhaps we could leave the matter up to luck? My friend here," Gnippen pats Tim's dog saddlebags, "happens to be carrying a deck of cards."
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Garaele smiles. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Alvywin. I do have a vial of Holy Water, which I can give you at cost... sadly the silver powder is rare enough here that I do not have more nor can I give it away for free."
She glances over your arms and armor. "If your path is taking you northeast, and you don't remind a return trip, there is a service you might be able to provide for me in exchange for the holy water as well as a few other potions. A bit... unconventional, but worthwhile to me."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
As the gnome leaves with his trusty companion in follow, Elyham slides into the spot left warm by the gnome's behind. "I must admit, in all of the chaos I did not catch your names! But we'll get to that soon enough. You were asking about my reasons for being here in Phandalin?" Elyham addresses Feredir, whom she has surmised is such by the conversations at hand.
Social situations have always been a little awkward for my character, and she's a little bit of an eccentric.
"I am merely a passerby to this place honestly. The tavern owner was kind enough to rent me a room for the last week at a decent rate, and I've had pretty good luck playing music for the patrons in the evenings. I do feel though, that my time in this town is coming to an abrupt end. It may be best if I move one soon before some of the arch-magus' trackers catch u..." Elyham snaps her mouth shut, knowing again that she is saying too much. For some reason, she knows that the two sitting across from her are not a threat her, but the glimpse she caught earlier through the window has her unnerved.
"My lady, though I am unsure of the exact direction my quest wanders, apart from deeper into the Sword Mountains, whatever task you may have of me I would be more than willing to pursue."
"If I may be so bold my lady, it also appears you may have been injured recently. If you may but allow me I can attempt to heal you."
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Gnippen:
Garaele nods. "It may be a bit out of your way then, but I would be most appreciative for the aid. The destination is outside the ruins of Conyberry, some fifty miles up the Triboar Trail. There's a piece of information I seek, and you seem a respectful fellow who might be able to coax it out of where it hides. Are you traveling alone?"
"And thank you for the kind offer. The flesh mends, but even magic doesn't keep a wound from being sore for a few days after. I am fine"
Sia watches Elyham, with a hint of a smirk. "Talkative, aren't you? My name is Sia Larnathai, of the Silver Quivers." She leans forward as she speaks, one hand on the table near her tankard. "Thank you for the ale. That was some phrase you spouted earlier about Duregen... where did you hear that?"
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Anyone opposed to me accepting this quest for later? My character would most likely pledge to perform the task if he had enough information to know that the cause is just, but I don't want to pull the party in a random or even split direction after we venture into the Sword Mountains.
"I always have at least one loyal companion traveling with me," Gnippen reaches down and runs his hand through the fur behind Tim's ears. Tim lets out a happy deep bark. "As stated before, I am presently vowed to assist someone with an undead problem and there are lives at stake. It may be a week or so before I am able to make my way up Triboar Trail. I would also need to know a little more about the information you seek. While I do not doubt your good and just character, fifty miles up Triboar Trail is a long way to travel for a piece of information, and ruins often hold peril which are not immediately evident."
"If I promised to perform this task for you, would you be willing to provide the Holy Water and Potions up front? Those supplies could be the difference between fortune and defeat. If such a contract were struck, I would give you my word as a Paladin of the Order of the Aster to uphold my end of bargain."
Throughout the conversation, Gnippen has slowly become a little more suspicious of the Elven lady. The errand she proposes seems like a hard travel for just a piece of information, Gnippen has seldomly encountered injured people who have refused offered healing, and why is there the sudden interest in traveling companions? Insight - 17
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Gnippen:
You can tell that she is being intentionally vague, but you don't detect malice or deception in the way she speaks. From the way she looks around the square, she may just not want to speak openly about all the details of the task.
You do know, from your previous battle experience, that even the miracle of divine magic does not remove every trace of injury. A particularly grievous wound might be sore, itch, or have other lingering discomfort long after the healing energy has run its course and mended flesh and bone, to which time is the only additional remedy. You surmise that if she is a cleric, she has probably already healed herself to the extent possible with a Cure Wounds spell.
Gnippen Persuasion - 14
Garaele places a hand gingerly on her side, the one you guessed had been injured. "Of course, I only ask because the road is dangerous to travel alone. Goblins infest the hills and forests in that region, and I've even heard the townmaster has a bounty on orcs near the area, should you take the trip there. I narrowly escaped an ambush when I attempted to make the trip, and wish I had been traveling with stout companions. Come, follow me inside and I'll explain further."
She proceeds inside the small cottage adjacent to the shrine. The cottage is lit from a few small candles, as well as a merry little fire in the hearth. Each window has a pot of colored flowers. A small table is set next to the hearth, with simple cookware and clay dishes. A green woolen rug, with a small offering bowl and incense plate, appears to be a place of meditation. Garaele motions to a stool by the table, and begins to prepare a small pot of tea.
"I have been tasked with a somewhat delicate mission, which is why I didn't want to speak so directly outside. There is a creature in Conyberry, an old soul who was once a great diviner. She became obsessed with her own vanity, and after she died her spirit lingered on as a banshee. I've heard tales that if someone flatters her vanity, or offers her an appropriate gift, she will answer a single question truthfully."
The tea is done brewing, and she brings you over a cup. She then pulls a small wooden container off a shelf, which she places on the table. Opening the container, you see a silver haircomb, inlaid with a line of small red gems.
"I think this is a suitable gift for her to grant an answer. Sadly, when I made the journey there, she did not appear for me." She then closes the lid to the container. "If you can promise me you'll attend to this task within a fortnight, I will give you the comb and the vial of holy water as a down payment. Upon return, I have three healing potions I can offer. If you are not able, well, neither she nor I are going anywhere in the next small while, so you can return when you are able."
I'll be out of town for a few days starting tomorrow, so expect sporadic posting if I get a chance. Tablet ops at best.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
"On my oath as a Paladin I will endeavor to return within the fortnight with the answer to your question Sister Garaele. What is the question that you wish I ask of this Banshee?"
While Gnippen is waiting for Sister Garaele to respond, he tries to recall information about banshees. He has honestly never come face-to-face with a Banshee in his life, but who knows what knowledge one picks up during the long hours of study and meditation along the road to becoming a full fledged Paladin.
Edited to shift the second half of my post beneath Josh's last response.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Gnippen Religion 13
You understand Banshees to be a quite potent undead spirit, oftentimes a spiteful creature formed from the spirit of a female elf. They are both frightening and can lay low the strongest of men with a single, mournful wail.
Garaele looks appreciative. "The question I wish you to ask is this: 'What is the fate of the spellbook of the archmage, Bowgentle?'" She slides the wooden container with the comb over to you. "Her name is Agatha. Be careful that you do not waste your opportunity."
As you prepare to leave, Garaele looks at you. "May my lady's fortune favor you on your travels, Alvywin Eivler."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Elyham, not wanting to respond to Sia with such haste as she previously did to Feredir's question, hesitates for a few seconds before collecting her thoughts on what to tell her. "A long time ago when I was a young woman, i stumbled across an old book that contained stories from old. It may have been in a scholar's cottage in Theragis, where I grew up as a child. I don't remember much more than that honestly, it was so many years in the past." Deception - 9
Elyham slumps slightly into the back of the table, toying with the handle of the flagon of ale perched in front of her. Aside from the sister in town, not many people have actually inquired about her, or her travels. These folk seem genuine enough, heck they've got a dog that stuck around with them.
Sia Insight 11
Sia watches Elyham carefully as she speaks, her own face somewhat impassive.
"Well," she ponders, "perhaps seeing the door of Duregen could dredge up some additional memories or useful information... and perhaps reveal the path to the great treasure you mentioned. The journey will likely be dangerous, but if you are looking for an excuse to move on from Phandalin with urgency, we could have use of your knowledge. Are you willing to work with us?"
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Elyham perks up in the booth at the thought of leaving Phandalin... it would be a safer journey with these travelers than wandering the road north alone. "Why yes! I think setting out together would be quite agreeable with me, lady Sia! Let me square up with the tavern owner and collect my things, and I'll be ready to seek out what lies ahead in the Sword Mountains."
Elyham looks up toward the tavern entrance as the gnome and his trusty companion saunter in from their errand. Some task for a sister? He must be referring to Garaele. The look he gives Elyham isn't exactly welcoming, but nevertheless, his dog seems excited to still see you there.
Waltzing over towards the tavern keep, Elyham grabs her dulcimer and backpack from by the fireplace. "Hey Toblin! You wouldn't happen to know anyone who would want to buy this old thing would you?" Elyham shoves the dulcimer onto the bartop, almost knocking over a stack of clean flagons Toblin was washing. "Heck, i bet you could sell it for a good price to the next bard wandering through this town!"
Elyham Persuasion - 15
My thought here is that the barkeep buys the dulcimer, and the amount would be based on the persuasion roll. Typing up the next section in advance of the roll outcome.
Elyham drudges back towards the booth, with the pittance of gold offered to her by Toblin. She paid well more for this thing years ago when she was visiting Neverwinter. At least she doesn't have to lug that thing around the mountains now...
"Okay. I am ready to depart for the Sword Mountains! Shall we gather our party and venture forth?"
Toblin gathers up the flagons in a tight pack, trying to ward off Elyham's advance of destruction.
"Eh, well, I dunno lass, that thing is..."
At which point the young dwarf child who had been earlier helping stir the stew comes sprinting over to the bar, a little toss of a kid, equivalent to a seven year old were he human, with the barest of black fuzz for a beard.
"Da! Da! I like it when the pretty lady plays! Can I have it? Da, pleeeeeease?!"
"Now, come on Pip, ya don't need that thing." Toblin says, looking a bit flustered.
Pip bounces up and down. "Da, ya promised ya'd get me something for my birthday. Can this be it... please get it!"
Toblin sighs, shaking his head, and retrieves a small bag of gold. "Fine, lil' one, but ya have to promise me ya'll take care of it and learn to play it nicely, alright?"
"Alright, Da! I promise!" Toblin takes the dulcimer off the counter and offers Elyham the bag of gold. "At least ya weren't trying to sell us a drum set. Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, a kid with a drum." He hands the Dulcimer to Pip, who runs off excitedly, already plucking at the strings.
Elyham adds 15 gp in trade for the dulcimer.
Sia nods to Feredir, and Elyham as she returns. "I am going to get my armor refit at the coster, fix up this tear, and find Gnippen. If there is anything else you want to do, now's the time. Let's hit the trail south in an hour." She smiles at Elyham, and offers a handshake. "Elyham, welcome aboard."
Last call for shopping, quick investigations, or anything else you want to do before you leave civilization for a while. You'll get about a half-days worth of travel given the current time of day.
In addition, I'll need the marching order for the journey. We can discuss that over discord to save some time.
I'm on leave tomorrow, but back home, so expect a travel post tomorrow early afternoon.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
This originally appeared above Josh's post, I have shifted it down here for continuity sake.
After receiving the question, comb, and Holy Water from Sister Garaele, Gnippen bids the sister farewell. Leaving the small cottage, Gnippen and Tim cross the town's center square. Looking through the windows to the Stonehill Inn, Gnippen believes he has spotted his newfound companions still seated in the booth.
Turning his back to the window, Gnippen slowly unpacks Tim's kit from the saddlebags. A few minutes later, Tim has been fully outfitted with his saddle, hide barding, bit, and bridle. Gnippen meanwhile has mounted his shield on his left arm, while his weapons remain in sheaths on his side and back.
With nothing left to do but wait for his companions, Gnippen gingerly leans against the Stonehill Inn and begins to reflect and meditate upon the happenings of the last few days.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Without a word, Feredir eyes his new companion carefully; taking longer than what would be considered good manners for an Elf. His face is stoic and expressionless as his cool dark-green eyes examine Elyham's features, clothing and weapons. Sia has seen this silent inquisition before, and she knows what to do. The standard bet: if the "target" shows any visible or verbal sign of discomfort before the silent minute is up, Feredir wins a silver piece; if they can remain confident, still and silent for the entire minute, Sia wins a silver piece.
INTIMIDATION - 18
Finally, at the end of the ostensibly longest minute of Elyham's life, Feredir extends his hand and exchanges a polite, if somewhat reserved, welcome to their new companion. "Good to have you on board, Elyham. Let us hope our fates bring us all good fortune."
Turning to his friend, he continues "Sia, I think that I'll join you at the armoursmith. I could use a stronger weave myself."
I'd like to purchase some armour with a 14 AC. I have studded leather now, so whatever light to medium armour is available for <20G I'll buy it.
Elyham Charisma - 18
Elyham:
You feel a bit uncomfortable as the elf gives you the stare-down. After about fifteen seconds, you have to turn away from his gaze, focusing instead on the mug in front of you. You're a bit surprised when he suddenly shifts to a relatively friendly gesture.
Feredir:
You hear a small sigh and Sia slips you a silver below the table.
Also, a DM apology. I was messing with your inventory incase you didn't get a chance to check back in. You technically should have leather (AC 11+dex), and 60-ish gp. You can sell the leather for 1 gp. From the Lionshield Coster, you can get one of the following, should you choose, no additional RP required:
Just pick which one you want and adjust your gold accordingly.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Sia and Feredir return from their final shopping trip to the Lionshield Coster, both spouting new armor. Sia appears particularly pleased that she is no longer wearing torn-up leathers and a tattered tunic. They return to the spot where Elyham, Gnippen, and Tim await.
"Come, the path takes us out of the town to the south. If fortune favors us, we'll make the base of the mountains by nightfall, and close to the first waystone."
Theme - Foothills of the Sword Mountains
As Sia leads you south away from Phandalin, you look back at the little village, lit by the early afternoon sun, smoke trailing from chimneys. Eventually, you cross a hillside and the town disappears into the terrain behind you. Ahead, through the thickening tree cover, you can just barely see the craggy, snow-tipped peaks of the Sword Mountains in the distance. The trees, mostly coniferous, provide a fresh scent, and the crisp spring air feels good in your lungs. The path you are on is little more than a deer trail, though it eventually leads you to a muddy creekbed.
Sia will spend some time catching Elyham up on her story, since she was not present for the entire thing at Stonehill Inn.
On the road! Once you have settled on the marching order and pace, I'll continue. Feel free to RP any discussions you might have while traveling. Adam, check email for the discord link.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
As Sia leads the party away from Phandalin, Gnippen leans back into his saddle and reaches into one of Tim's saddlebags.
"I managed to acquire an item that might help us on the road ahead," Gnippen states to the group as he pulls the Holy Water from Tim's saddlebags. "I wouldn't want to be caught in a fight with the undead or a skeleton without this!"
Gnippen proceeds to regale the group of his encounter with Sister Garaele and her quest to confront a banshee for information. "I promised the Good Sister I would endeavor to look into this matter for her within a fortnight. In exchange she would provide us with three healing potions upon completion. Anyone is more than welcome to join me once my vow to assist Sia is satisfied."
"As for the road ahead, I would not want to be caught in the open as night-falls on the footsteps of these mountains. You three seem like a perceptive bunch able to mask your own tracks. Tim, though he unfortunately means well, is not gifted with the ability to conceal his presence." As if to further let home the point, Tim lets loose a loud bark. "I suggest that perhaps we could continue down this road with haste, with the three of you scouting in front. I will stay a short distance back with Tim in the hopes that he does not startle or alert whatever may lay in store for us on the road ahead"
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
As the group follows parallel to the creekbed, you notice that the soft muddy banks harden as the soil becomes more consistent with clay. A pleasent brook burbles in the middle of the creekbed, splashing off small water-worn rocks. Large limestone boulders and ridgelines become apparent, as water seeps along cracks in the stone and colors the stone almost a dark blue - indications that you are leaving the rolling hills of Phandalin behind for the proper mountains.
Sia leads the party, trailed by Elyham and Feredir, while Gnippen (astride Tim) bring up the rear. The pace Sia sets is quick, but not rushed.
Sia Perception (Advantage from group help) - 25
After a few hours, as the sun gets low in the sky and the tree cover takes on an amber glow, Sia suddenly stops, raising a single open hand and closing it quickly into a fist. She then motions to her right, along the edge of a mossy limestone ridge. As the group gathers close, she states in a hushed whisper. "We are not alone. I heard voices, rustling in the woods above. Orcish, I think."
She pauses, then attempts to quietly poke her head above the ridgeline, climbing on a small limestone outcropping.
Sia Stealth - 24
Sia Perception - 21
She ducks back down. "I see one orc, hiding behind a tree within bowshot range..."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Gnippen whispers to the group, "It would strike me as odd if the Orc did not have more compatriots lurking further out of sight. Now that we know where they are we could perhaps sneak past. On the other hand I despise leaving an enemy unaccounted for at our rear. What is your opinion Feredir? As a ranger you undoubtedly possess a wealth of knowledge concerning the lay of the land."
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent