Answering Lumen, and Antonio, who fell into a lazy doze on the comfy chair, before opening his eyes, his interest perked by the talk of Hunt Lords, rumors and forest spirits, Avgar says,
"Well, there's not much to tell beyond what I have already told you. This was, and still is the finest lodge in the entire region for many years. It was built over two hundred years ago, and during its days of prominence, it was the host to some of the most esteemed and wealthy nobles who came here to hunt big game and bag some incredible trophies... huge deer, elk, moose, enormous bears and even the occasional owlbear! We actually have an owlbear hide, it's hanging right over there on that far wall!"
Looking over there, you can see what looks like a massive bear-sized hide, only covered in grayish brown feathers instead of fur, with a sharp, pointed beak instead of a gaping, jawed maw full of teeth. There are other hides hanging along the walls from numerous animals of sizes, and a number of stuffed animals on display, including rabbits, foxes, a wolf and a large stuffed brown bear. A deerskin rug lies in front of the hearth, and there are a couple of furry bearskin blankets lying on the backs of the comfy chairs.
"Another interesting fact, Noanar's Hold was named a very famous hunter who used to live in that keep. Some say that he was an arcanist from Neterhil."
Responding to Kess in his very enthusiastic and courteous tone, he says,
"I do thank you for your most appreciative comments, esteemed elvish one. I am so glad that you have decided to stop her on your travels! To your question, I have a rather large stash of seasonings and other ingredients tucked safely away in the cellar. And since we are rather close to the Evermoor Way, it's just a short supply run to trade with merchants who travel between Silverymoon and the Sword Coast."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Krackle would have left to head to his room with Lumen... He would look the innkeeper up and down. The man seemed very nice but this fancy building in this middle of this ghost town in the middle of this ghost forest seemed strange...
Insight to see if this guy is actually like a vampire or something that uses his inn to lure people in and then eats them at night! 5
WELP! This guy seems awesome and while krackle thought the prices were high before... now he realizes that they were quite reasonable...
Kess listens carefully to Avgar's response, taking note of every word and inflection while being as impassive as possible. Was he being truthful, or was he seeking to cover something with that story...?
Chrys listens to all of this talk with only half an ear. The tension of marching through the forest, coupled with the battle, coupled with the worry about the mask shard, have resulted in the innkeeper's tales going in through one ear and out through the other. She does latch on to his obvious discomfort about the unsavory rumors, but knows better than to ask the man what, exactly, they are. That'd be best left for other people in the town who weren't trying so hard to sell it. And if the prices were anything to go by, Avgar was probably not in as comfortable a position as he let on, if his source of revenue had dried up.
She nods at Lumen in thanks when he pays for Krackle, saying "We can split payin' for things, there ain't a one o' us who has to shoulder the entire burden all the time. Just pipe up when yer low on coins, and we'll surely chip in,"she says, both for the half-orc and the kobold's benefits.
"Say... I don't know nothin' 'bout these Hunt Lords," Chrys says in reply to Avgar's sales pitch. "What can ya tell me o' them? They elvish, or human, or somethin' else? How'd a couple o' folks like us get to meet 'em, if we wanted to? Could we hire 'em out to do some huntin', if that was our hope?" She pauses, and strokes her chin. "An' can they flush any sorta game outta the forest?"she asks, thinking of finding a way to track their mysterious and slippery stalker, "The Shadow."
She listens very carefully with keen elven insight and a relatively good head for history, and as far as she can tell, it seems to her that Avgar is being truthful.
To Lumen, he answers, "Goodness no... I have never ventured into the woods at night... that would be foolish, and I prefer to risk no harm to myself. For who would take care of the inn if something were to happen to me? I have heard enough stories and have lived here long enough to know what I believe. And no... it is perfectly safe to be outside in the village of Noanar's Hold during the daytime hours when the sun is up. I cannot say what lies deeper in the forest, though... for it is a very large and mysterious place."
Lumen and Kess (Anyone else can roll a history check. A DC 15 reveals the following)
During their travels, both Lumen and Kess have heard numerous stories about the ancient Kingdom of Netheril. It was a vast human empire of massive floating cities that soared over the skies of Faerûn, run by mages whose influence stretched across the world for thousands of years. It was considered the pinnacle of human civil action during the first half of the Age of Humanity, which began during the decline of the great elven and dwarven empires of old. Netherese commoners, known as free folk, lived tough lives in scattered towns that were under constant threat by roaming barbarian tribes.
The magic that's known today by wizards and sorcerers (commonly known by lay people as The Art,) was first introduced to the Netherese people by the elves of The High Forest. The Netherese were able to harness its power even further after their discovery of the long lost Nether Scrolls, precious artifacts that were the foundation of much of the magical knowledge that exists on Toril. Bits and pieces of the knowledge contained in these scrolls are still known by every magic user who practices The Art in all of Faerûn.
Eventually, the Netheril Empire waned, and in a great battle, the flying cities fell to the ground and were swallowed up by The Great Sand Sea of Anauroch, an immense region filled with dangers as well as untold treasures and powerful artifacts that lie waiting to be found by the bravest of souls.
Kess Only. (And anyone else who rolls a DC 20 History check.)
Kess knows a bit more of the history of Netheril, namely that some of the Netherese nobility had fallen under the corrupting influence of Shar, and that during the fall of High Netheril, the floating enclave of Thultanthar was transported to The Shadowfell, where it remained for 1,700 years. In 1375 DR, the Netherese shades revived the Empire in the northern regions of Faerûn, in dedication to Shar. They took control of Thultanthar, which returned to The Material Plane, appearing in the skies over the north-western side of the Anuaoch desert.
This renewed Netherese empire continued to grow and strengthen their hold over northern Faerûn for the next hundred years. By 1380 DR, Sembia fell under the influence of the Shade Princess and became a protectorate of the empire. This led to the Sembian assault of The Dalelands, which happened during the calamities of the Second Sundering in 1487 DR, and an ensuring war with Cormyr. As the elves of Myth Drannor came to their aid, the armies of Sembia were driven back, and Cormyr reclaimed their lands.
The Netherese then turned their focus on Myth Drannor, and they flew the floating Shade Enclave right over the city, in an dangerous attempt to take control of its epic enchantment ward, or mythal and Shar could displace Mystra as the new goddess of magic in Faerûn. During the conflict, the Shade Enclave of Thultanthar came crashing down in a terrible disaster, which destroyed both cities brought about the collapse of Netheril once again.
Vesper definitely thinks that this fellow is quite odd, but in her mind, he doesn't appear to be dishonest in what he says.
In regards to Chrys's inquiry about The Hunt Lords, Avgar answers,
"I've already told you what I know. They are but five very powerful and influential men, and no, you cannot hire them as hunting guides, for they are long since retired and do not wish to be disturbed. However, that is not up to me. If you wish to meet them, you would nee to speak with Amrath Mulnobar, who is the castellan of the Hunt Lords' keep. You will find him there. I would advise against it, though."
"Can I interest you in some pie for dessert? A nice slice of strawberry rhubarb?"
Lumen declines the pie, but he asks that Avgar inform the party should anyone else arrive at the inn at night. He steps outside the door and looks around from the threshold, trying to see if the shadow fellow is out there.
Then when they head to their rooms, he suggests keeping watch, one person awake in each room, and securing the mask shards. (Assuming two rooms - Lumen and Krackle, and the three ladies?)
”The Hunt Lords are long since retired, and are very old and rather grumpy. They wish not to be disturbed by anyone and only to live out their days in quiet solitude. They have nothing to offer you, I can assure.”
”As for the pie, no extra charge! it’s included in your meal. In fact, I picked the strawberries today, so they’re fresh as ever!”
Chrys doesn’t detect any tones of dishonesty from the excited little man, or that he’s trying to scam you. He’s quite odd, though, and that’s easily apparent.
Avgar nods in agreement to Lumen’s request. When the half orc peers outside, he sees no sign of the man known as The Shadow. He doesn’t see anyone out in the dimming light, just an eerily quiet village falling under the cover of dusk. At one point, he thinks he hears the sound of some hooved animals running through the woods, but he doesn’t see what made the noise.
Lumen returns, inhales the pie, grins at Avgar, and then prepares to retire for the evening. With watches set in case they have unwanted visitors in search of the mask fragments.
"Well then,"Chrys says, helping herself to the proffered dessert. "I paid for it, might as well enjoy it!" she says, encouraging the others to take a share.
The taste is wonderful - although that may be subjective, on Chrys's part. The warm, tangy sweetness of the pie reminds or of the day everyone first met at the festival in Yartar, and she hums in contentment. "Yeah... I don't need to stir up no trouble with some grumpy old men if they wanna be left alone,"Chrys agrees, after hearing about the Hunt Lords.
Krackle would stop or a moment. "I'll take some pie! Why didn't ya say it was free sooner." The kobold would say with a grin as he grabs a piece and digs in.
Antonio has been rather quiet throughout the evening, first dozing in the chair, then listening quietly, but intently to your interactions with Avgar as he talks about the Hunt Lords and the forest. He takes quite an interest in the fact that the man being the name of Noanar's Hold was one of the Netherese. He talks a bit about the great floating enclaves that housed the magic using rulers and the Nether Scrolls, the written foundation of knowledge that described fundamental magic theory and which ultimately led to the rise and fall of the Netheril civilization.
"What more important tome of knowledge could exist in the world? Can you imagine laying eyes upon one of these incredible writings? One could devote an entire lifetime and potentially drive themselves mad trying to search for these lost items. Of course, there are many rare and powerful artifacts in the world, and I would imagine that more than a few of them lie under the sands of The Great Sand Sea to the east."
"To walk The Black Road, to look upon the Plain of Standing Stones and seek the lost treasure that lies beneath... Now that's the stuff of legend, and where you find legend, you find adventure."
"Forgive me, I'm just babbling. As I believe I mentioned, I am fascinated by history and of pondering things and events that are no more. I shall look forward to my time here at the White Hart Inn, where I shall spend many days and nights thinking about such things and keeping my mind busy. I plan to stay for at least a ten-day... who knows what will happen after that."
"At any rate, I shall retire to my own room and bid you all a good night. Thank you, Avgar, for the wonderful meal, and thank the rest of you for your company today on the road."
With a nod of his head, Antonio gets up and heads upstairs to his own private room.
Answering Lumen, and Antonio, who fell into a lazy doze on the comfy chair, before opening his eyes, his interest perked by the talk of Hunt Lords, rumors and forest spirits, Avgar says,
"Well, there's not much to tell beyond what I have already told you. This was, and still is the finest lodge in the entire region for many years. It was built over two hundred years ago, and during its days of prominence, it was the host to some of the most esteemed and wealthy nobles who came here to hunt big game and bag some incredible trophies... huge deer, elk, moose, enormous bears and even the occasional owlbear! We actually have an owlbear hide, it's hanging right over there on that far wall!"
Looking over there, you can see what looks like a massive bear-sized hide, only covered in grayish brown feathers instead of fur, with a sharp, pointed beak instead of a gaping, jawed maw full of teeth. There are other hides hanging along the walls from numerous animals of sizes, and a number of stuffed animals on display, including rabbits, foxes, a wolf and a large stuffed brown bear. A deerskin rug lies in front of the hearth, and there are a couple of furry bearskin blankets lying on the backs of the comfy chairs.
"Another interesting fact, Noanar's Hold was named a very famous hunter who used to live in that keep. Some say that he was an arcanist from Neterhil."
Responding to Kess in his very enthusiastic and courteous tone, he says,
"I do thank you for your most appreciative comments, esteemed elvish one. I am so glad that you have decided to stop her on your travels! To your question, I have a rather large stash of seasonings and other ingredients tucked safely away in the cellar. And since we are rather close to the Evermoor Way, it's just a short supply run to trade with merchants who travel between Silverymoon and the Sword Coast."
Does Lumen know what an archaist is, or where Neterhil is? (Let me know if I should roll anything!)
(Stupid spell check. He was an arcanist. Roll a history check to see what you know about Netheril.)
Before Krackle would have left to head to his room with Lumen... He would look the innkeeper up and down. The man seemed very nice but this fancy building in this middle of this ghost town in the middle of this ghost forest seemed strange...
Insight to see if this guy is actually like a vampire or something that uses his inn to lure people in and then eats them at night! 5
WELP! This guy seems awesome and while krackle thought the prices were high before... now he realizes that they were quite reasonable...
Kess listens carefully to Avgar's response, taking note of every word and inflection while being as impassive as possible. Was he being truthful, or was he seeking to cover something with that story...?
Insight: 17
Lumen history: 3
"Avgar, have you ever seen a spirit in the woods?" Lumen asks, getting ready to head to his room. "And do they come out in the daytime?"
Chrys listens to all of this talk with only half an ear. The tension of marching through the forest, coupled with the battle, coupled with the worry about the mask shard, have resulted in the innkeeper's tales going in through one ear and out through the other. She does latch on to his obvious discomfort about the unsavory rumors, but knows better than to ask the man what, exactly, they are. That'd be best left for other people in the town who weren't trying so hard to sell it. And if the prices were anything to go by, Avgar was probably not in as comfortable a position as he let on, if his source of revenue had dried up.
She nods at Lumen in thanks when he pays for Krackle, saying "We can split payin' for things, there ain't a one o' us who has to shoulder the entire burden all the time. Just pipe up when yer low on coins, and we'll surely chip in," she says, both for the half-orc and the kobold's benefits.
"Say... I don't know nothin' 'bout these Hunt Lords," Chrys says in reply to Avgar's sales pitch. "What can ya tell me o' them? They elvish, or human, or somethin' else? How'd a couple o' folks like us get to meet 'em, if we wanted to? Could we hire 'em out to do some huntin', if that was our hope?" She pauses, and strokes her chin. "An' can they flush any sorta game outta the forest?" she asks, thinking of finding a way to track their mysterious and slippery stalker, "The Shadow."
Vesper tries to get a read on this guy, since everyone else thinks he's odd.
Insight:14
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
She listens very carefully with keen elven insight and a relatively good head for history, and as far as she can tell, it seems to her that Avgar is being truthful.
To Lumen, he answers, "Goodness no... I have never ventured into the woods at night... that would be foolish, and I prefer to risk no harm to myself. For who would take care of the inn if something were to happen to me? I have heard enough stories and have lived here long enough to know what I believe. And no... it is perfectly safe to be outside in the village of Noanar's Hold during the daytime hours when the sun is up. I cannot say what lies deeper in the forest, though... for it is a very large and mysterious place."
Lumen and Kess (Anyone else can roll a history check. A DC 15 reveals the following)
During their travels, both Lumen and Kess have heard numerous stories about the ancient Kingdom of Netheril. It was a vast human empire of massive floating cities that soared over the skies of Faerûn, run by mages whose influence stretched across the world for thousands of years. It was considered the pinnacle of human civil action during the first half of the Age of Humanity, which began during the decline of the great elven and dwarven empires of old. Netherese commoners, known as free folk, lived tough lives in scattered towns that were under constant threat by roaming barbarian tribes.
The magic that's known today by wizards and sorcerers (commonly known by lay people as The Art,) was first introduced to the Netherese people by the elves of The High Forest. The Netherese were able to harness its power even further after their discovery of the long lost Nether Scrolls, precious artifacts that were the foundation of much of the magical knowledge that exists on Toril. Bits and pieces of the knowledge contained in these scrolls are still known by every magic user who practices The Art in all of Faerûn.
Eventually, the Netheril Empire waned, and in a great battle, the flying cities fell to the ground and were swallowed up by The Great Sand Sea of Anauroch, an immense region filled with dangers as well as untold treasures and powerful artifacts that lie waiting to be found by the bravest of souls.
Kess Only. (And anyone else who rolls a DC 20 History check.)
Kess knows a bit more of the history of Netheril, namely that some of the Netherese nobility had fallen under the corrupting influence of Shar, and that during the fall of High Netheril, the floating enclave of Thultanthar was transported to The Shadowfell, where it remained for 1,700 years. In 1375 DR, the Netherese shades revived the Empire in the northern regions of Faerûn, in dedication to Shar. They took control of Thultanthar, which returned to The Material Plane, appearing in the skies over the north-western side of the Anuaoch desert.
This renewed Netherese empire continued to grow and strengthen their hold over northern Faerûn for the next hundred years. By 1380 DR, Sembia fell under the influence of the Shade Princess and became a protectorate of the empire. This led to the Sembian assault of The Dalelands, which happened during the calamities of the Second Sundering in 1487 DR, and an ensuring war with Cormyr. As the elves of Myth Drannor came to their aid, the armies of Sembia were driven back, and Cormyr reclaimed their lands.
The Netherese then turned their focus on Myth Drannor, and they flew the floating Shade Enclave right over the city, in an dangerous attempt to take control of its epic enchantment ward, or mythal and Shar could displace Mystra as the new goddess of magic in Faerûn. During the conflict, the Shade Enclave of Thultanthar came crashing down in a terrible disaster, which destroyed both cities brought about the collapse of Netheril once again.
History: 16
Vesper definitely thinks that this fellow is quite odd, but in her mind, he doesn't appear to be dishonest in what he says.
In regards to Chrys's inquiry about The Hunt Lords, Avgar answers,
"I've already told you what I know. They are but five very powerful and influential men, and no, you cannot hire them as hunting guides, for they are long since retired and do not wish to be disturbed. However, that is not up to me. If you wish to meet them, you would nee to speak with Amrath Mulnobar, who is the castellan of the Hunt Lords' keep. You will find him there. I would advise against it, though."
"Can I interest you in some pie for dessert? A nice slice of strawberry rhubarb?"
Lumen declines the pie, but he asks that Avgar inform the party should anyone else arrive at the inn at night. He steps outside the door and looks around from the threshold, trying to see if the shadow fellow is out there.
Then when they head to their rooms, he suggests keeping watch, one person awake in each room, and securing the mask shards. (Assuming two rooms - Lumen and Krackle, and the three ladies?)
Chrys wavers greatly at the offer of pie.
"Why would ya advise 'gainst it?" she asks. And, with much more trepidation, "... how much's the pie?"
Insight check: is this guy scalping us?! And anything else that might fall out of Chrys's flinty glare XD 9
”The Hunt Lords are long since retired, and are very old and rather grumpy. They wish not to be disturbed by anyone and only to live out their days in quiet solitude. They have nothing to offer you, I can assure.”
”As for the pie, no extra charge! it’s included in your meal. In fact, I picked the strawberries today, so they’re fresh as ever!”
Chrys doesn’t detect any tones of dishonesty from the excited little man, or that he’s trying to scam you. He’s quite odd, though, and that’s easily apparent.
Avgar nods in agreement to Lumen’s request. When the half orc peers outside, he sees no sign of the man known as The Shadow. He doesn’t see anyone out in the dimming light, just an eerily quiet village falling under the cover of dusk. At one point, he thinks he hears the sound of some hooved animals running through the woods, but he doesn’t see what made the noise.
"Well I don't see why we'd bother some retirees, so they won't have to worry about us."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Lumen returns, inhales the pie, grins at Avgar, and then prepares to retire for the evening. With watches set in case they have unwanted visitors in search of the mask fragments.
"Well then," Chrys says, helping herself to the proffered dessert. "I paid for it, might as well enjoy it!" she says, encouraging the others to take a share.
The taste is wonderful - although that may be subjective, on Chrys's part. The warm, tangy sweetness of the pie reminds or of the day everyone first met at the festival in Yartar, and she hums in contentment. "Yeah... I don't need to stir up no trouble with some grumpy old men if they wanna be left alone," Chrys agrees, after hearing about the Hunt Lords.
Krackle would stop or a moment. "I'll take some pie! Why didn't ya say it was free sooner." The kobold would say with a grin as he grabs a piece and digs in.
Antonio has been rather quiet throughout the evening, first dozing in the chair, then listening quietly, but intently to your interactions with Avgar as he talks about the Hunt Lords and the forest. He takes quite an interest in the fact that the man being the name of Noanar's Hold was one of the Netherese. He talks a bit about the great floating enclaves that housed the magic using rulers and the Nether Scrolls, the written foundation of knowledge that described fundamental magic theory and which ultimately led to the rise and fall of the Netheril civilization.
"What more important tome of knowledge could exist in the world? Can you imagine laying eyes upon one of these incredible writings? One could devote an entire lifetime and potentially drive themselves mad trying to search for these lost items. Of course, there are many rare and powerful artifacts in the world, and I would imagine that more than a few of them lie under the sands of The Great Sand Sea to the east."
"To walk The Black Road, to look upon the Plain of Standing Stones and seek the lost treasure that lies beneath... Now that's the stuff of legend, and where you find legend, you find adventure."
"Forgive me, I'm just babbling. As I believe I mentioned, I am fascinated by history and of pondering things and events that are no more. I shall look forward to my time here at the White Hart Inn, where I shall spend many days and nights thinking about such things and keeping my mind busy. I plan to stay for at least a ten-day... who knows what will happen after that."
"At any rate, I shall retire to my own room and bid you all a good night. Thank you, Avgar, for the wonderful meal, and thank the rest of you for your company today on the road."
With a nod of his head, Antonio gets up and heads upstairs to his own private room.
Lumen nods to Antonio, and bids him goodnight.
(Are we good with keeping watch and an eye on the bag with the mask shards throughout the night?)