"My name is Krackle! I am a helper!" The kobold would say with a smile. "I heard Vesper say your name earlier. Lots of people don't ask for my name so I forget to tell people" He would add as he rubs the brass scales on the back of his hand.
No one seems to notice when Krackle puts his entire pile of gold coins into the collection plate. However, you can see a few people after him go wide-eyed with cheerful amazement when the plate reaches them and they see the amount that’s been deposited into the platter. When the head priest receives the plate, he make a comment about the generosity of the sizeable donations that have been received today, and insists that Tymora will shine many blessings on all of you for your charitable giving.
Ehrland greets you as you walk over. ”A healthy morning to you all, good folk. I’m glad you decided to attend the service, I find the sunrise service to be a rather enjoyable and inspiring way to start my day. And I’ve certainly lived by the tentants of Lady Luck. You see, I am an adventurer myself, or at least I was. I considered myself to be retired now, but I still keep an active eye on the world and take keen interest in the goings on of this region.”
That is why I approached you last evening. I saw many of you perform during the games yesterday, and I was impressed by your skills and your agility. Especially you, little one,” he says with wink to the kobold. “You seem like a very capable bunch, and one who could perhaps help in the endless task of helping make this part of the world a little safer. As I said, the safety and security of Yartar and the surronding areas are of great concern to me, and so I have a proposal for you. I’ll get right to the point.”
”As you may know the Evermoor Way is a very busy and important trading route that runs between Triboar and Silverymoon, and of course, since we live in a dangerous part of the world, there are often dangers on the road, dangers which can often delay or cause serious harm to the trading caravans that travel the route. Often times, caravans will bring along escorts to help protect them, but not all can afford such protection. So, peoeple like me often recruit people like you to help clear the roads and alleviate possible dangers.”
”In recent weeks, there have been rumors of goblins who have been attacking travelers and carts along the Evermoor Way. We always have to contend with small bands of goblins, that’s a regular thing in this region, but these goblins are apparently being led by an especially savage goblin chief. They are causing trouble and they need to be dealt with.”
”Unfortutnaly, I do not know where their hideout is, but I have heard that there is someone up in Melton who does. Melton is a small outpost village about three days up the road towards Silverymoon. If you make your way there, you should be able to find out more and hopefully deal with this rather inconvenient band of pesky goblins.”
”So tell me, good people, is this something that interests you?”
Krackle would smile wide looking up to Ehrland when the man mentions him. "I'll help!" Krackle would exclaim excitedly, before quickly calming himself when Vesper mentions getting paid. "Yeah, we could use more coin. I am trying to save up enough coin to buy a house for my parents!" He would add with a smile as he tries to help convince Ehrland to pay them.
Chrys nods slowly as she listens to Ehrland's proposal. "Sounds like somethin' I'd want ta get my hands into, to be sure. Three days is a journey though, an' we'd have at least one obligation in town a'fore we set off. Plus, I imagine some o' us would want t'get our supplies in order first." As the others begin to negotiate over the payment, Chrys opens her mouth to insist that they're going - it's goblins threatening the people, for goodness' sake! - but shuts it again as she almost hears the voice of Arine screeching in her ear, a memory of the last time they went through something like this: Keep your mouth shut and let the rest of us do the talking! We're going to help these people anyway, so relax and let the professionals here do their work! I swear, if it wasn't for me, you'd live in constant poverty...
Huffing, Chrys crosses her arm and tenses up, but bites her lip and manages to prevent herself from objecting to the rest of the party's attempt to haggle with Ehrland.
"Goblins, hm?" Kess had quietly been listening quietly towards the back of the group, staying quiety as she listened to Ehrland tell his story. "They can always prove to be quite the menace, especially if allowed to gather and breed in large numbers. Vesper does make a point, but there is a sense of urgency here, too... and I'm sure that it wouldn't hurt to give aid to the people of Melton and potentially get a good word or two out to Silverymoon as well. Although, I have to ask... just how close to the Evermoors would the road take us? I only ask this because, well... I've heard of things that dwell there, that's all."
When she realized that she'd never introduced herself, however, Kess awkwardly made her way closer to Ehrland, offering him a curtsy.
"I'm sorry... I never introduced myself. Kessdarra, Kessdarra Lorrath. A pleasure, mister...?"
”Well met, Kessdarra Lorrath, I am Ehrland Valison. And to answer your questions, Melton is still rather far south of Silverymoon, and it’s south of The Evermoor as well. You speak the truth, many things dwell in The Evermoors, and perhaps another time you will be needed up there, but for now, the road has been quiet through that region. At least it has been in the past few weeks.”
”Regarding payment, I can offer you a stipend of 50 gold for supplies. Or, if there’s something specific you need, I might be able to acquire it for you. I could also procure you a couple of healing potions from the priests here at the temple to help aid you in this endeavor. And if you are able to root out this band of goblins, I could pay you an additional 100gp on your return. Of course, that’s in addition to any treasure you may find along the way. It’s well known that goblins like shiny things, so if you do find a cave or mound full of them, it’s likely that they’ll have a few coins and trinkets stashed away.”
"Yeah! that sounds good to me!" The tiny kobold would say with a smile. "If we might get in a fight... it might be good it I get some better armor." Krackle would say as he lifts his robe to reveal some shoddy looking leather armor that looks to have been cut down and stitched together to fit the small creatures frame. "Maybe some leather armor with little shiny pieces all over it! Can I have something like that?"
Lumen listens to his new companions negotiate with a bit of a half-smile. "Not bad," he thinks to himself, still trying not to attract attention.
Still, he does speak up with a question for Ehrland. "These goblins. Do you want them dead? Captured? What's the ask here? Also, is the 50 gold stipend and 100 gold reward for the whole group, or per person? Perhaps we could use a cart to pretend to be merchants and ambush a goblin ambush. Or maybe there's a better idea."
Does Lumen have a sense of the kind of terrain this stretch of road sits on? Rocky/forests/cliffs/water/etc?
To Vesper, Erhland replies, “Of course, I will go talk with the temple priests and procure two healing potions for you.
“As for you, little one, you should go and see Master Gilthur at The Battered Shield Armory. He’s a fine a craftsman as anyone when it comes to armor and shields. See if he’s got a small suit made for a gnome that might fit, you look to be about the same size.”
To Lumen, he answers, “I’ll leave that to you, but I have no use for captured goblins, so do with them what you will. Just make sure they aren’t able to bother any more travelers. At the very least, make sure you kill the goblin boss if you do find one that seems to be leading the charge. It’s never good to let them loose, that only brings more trouble later. I’d say bring me his head, but I have no desire to smell a dead goblin’s head that’s been transported in the summer heat for three days, and I’m guessing that neither do you. We’ll have to go on your word.”
”And the amounts are total, but as I said, if there’s something specific that you should need for this task, I’m open to hearing your request and doing what I can to procure it for you, providing it’s not something out of the question.”
”As for your strategy, that’s up to you. My advice is to get yourself up to Melton first. As of late, the road between here and Melton has been safe, it’s the stretch just beyond the village where trouble’s been seen.”
As for the terrain along The Evermoor Way, they lands just beyond Yartar are a mix of grasslands, sparse forests and isolated hills.
"Hmm,"Chrys says, after quickly checking the others. "I think we'd be happy t'help ya out. As fer meself, I could use me a good halberd t'swing around... not quite sure I can afford a weapon like that yet, though," she adds. "T'be honest, it'd be more useful before the battle starts than after. I could pay ye back fer it when we return, if ya like." She rubs her chin, thinking. "Speakin' of which, say we do this mission successfully, an' we come back to Yartar. Where would we find ya to report on our success?"
Lumen is very happy to have some healing potions, given the day he had yesterday. (Also, the thing about the cart was more directed at his companions than Ehrland.)
"Dead. Got it. Works for me."he replies to Ehrland, with a half-smile. "I could use a small hand crossbow if we're going to be dealing with goblins and hopefully sneaking up on them. If you can track one down for me. Appreciate it."
He also reminds his friends they are due to stop by the magic shop for their reward.
"Well... it's been quite some time since I've actually had to use my blades in combat outside of practice, but consider those goblins dealt with, sir. If they're anything like the goblins from my homeland, this shouldn't be too challenging if we're wise with our engagements." Kess would nod, patting the white ivory hilts of her scimitars. "As for supplies... well, if it isn't too much trouble, could we perhaps trouble you for a map of this region of Faerun, and a compass? It just occurred to me that it might be a good idea to have those on hand, should we find ourselves in a situation where our sense of direction is lost. It wouldn't do for you if we were to, say, somehow wander our way into the High Forest, or lose our way and end up as far east as Sundabar."
"I'm sure that Master Gilthur will be able to outfit you with the a fine quality halberd, and my 50gp advance should more than cover the cost of that kind of item. It is preferable that you take it out of that pool of coins rather than worry about paying me back later. He may also have a hand crossbow for purchase, but that is a much more expensive item. You will need to pool some of your winnings from yesterday in order to acquire one of those."
"Unfortunately, I do not have a map of this region, but go and see Esklindrar at his map and book shop. He is a fine sage who has the best mind for books and maps this side of Candlekeep. I warn you, he is not cheap, but he may let you look at the rather impressive map that he has of Faerûn in his shop. And if he doesn't have a compass to sell you, he will be able to tell you where to find one."
"As for meeting me later, the best place to find me on a given day is at the Golden Eagle. You can always ask for me there. In fact, you should meet me there after you have run your errands. I can give you your two potions then."
"OK, See you in a little while!" Krackle would say excitedly. he would then turn and look to his companions. "You can keep my part of the fifty coins. Once they bring me my ten bags of coins, I should have plenty if gold to buy some armor!" The kobold would the. look back towards the temple and rub his pointy chin. "I bet I will be pretty close to getting that house too! I really should ask someone how much a house costs..." he would say to himself aloud before looking towards his new friends. "Do you know how long it takes them to bring you your coins? If you get ten gold coins for every copper coin.. then I should get.. like.. A while bunch! I put my whole bag in!" He would say bouncing excitedly and rubbing his hands together. "Mom and dad are going to be so happy with me when I get them a nice place to live!" He would exclaim as he does a little dance and shake his butt and tail.
((Whoops... that's "no quarrel", sorry DM!))
"My name is Krackle! I am a helper!" The kobold would say with a smile. "I heard Vesper say your name earlier. Lots of people don't ask for my name so I forget to tell people" He would add as he rubs the brass scales on the back of his hand.
No one seems to notice when Krackle puts his entire pile of gold coins into the collection plate. However, you can see a few people after him go wide-eyed with cheerful amazement when the plate reaches them and they see the amount that’s been deposited into the platter. When the head priest receives the plate, he make a comment about the generosity of the sizeable donations that have been received today, and insists that Tymora will shine many blessings on all of you for your charitable giving.
Ehrland greets you as you walk over. ”A healthy morning to you all, good folk. I’m glad you decided to attend the service, I find the sunrise service to be a rather enjoyable and inspiring way to start my day. And I’ve certainly lived by the tentants of Lady Luck. You see, I am an adventurer myself, or at least I was. I considered myself to be retired now, but I still keep an active eye on the world and take keen interest in the goings on of this region.”
That is why I approached you last evening. I saw many of you perform during the games yesterday, and I was impressed by your skills and your agility. Especially you, little one,” he says with wink to the kobold. “You seem like a very capable bunch, and one who could perhaps help in the endless task of helping make this part of the world a little safer. As I said, the safety and security of Yartar and the surronding areas are of great concern to me, and so I have a proposal for you. I’ll get right to the point.”
”As you may know the Evermoor Way is a very busy and important trading route that runs between Triboar and Silverymoon, and of course, since we live in a dangerous part of the world, there are often dangers on the road, dangers which can often delay or cause serious harm to the trading caravans that travel the route. Often times, caravans will bring along escorts to help protect them, but not all can afford such protection. So, peoeple like me often recruit people like you to help clear the roads and alleviate possible dangers.”
”In recent weeks, there have been rumors of goblins who have been attacking travelers and carts along the Evermoor Way. We always have to contend with small bands of goblins, that’s a regular thing in this region, but these goblins are apparently being led by an especially savage goblin chief. They are causing trouble and they need to be dealt with.”
”Unfortutnaly, I do not know where their hideout is, but I have heard that there is someone up in Melton who does. Melton is a small outpost village about three days up the road towards Silverymoon. If you make your way there, you should be able to find out more and hopefully deal with this rather inconvenient band of pesky goblins.”
”So tell me, good people, is this something that interests you?”
"Yeah. Are we gonna get paid though?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Vesper, roll a persuasion check.
Persuasion: 26
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Krackle would smile wide looking up to Ehrland when the man mentions him. "I'll help!" Krackle would exclaim excitedly, before quickly calming himself when Vesper mentions getting paid. "Yeah, we could use more coin. I am trying to save up enough coin to buy a house for my parents!" He would add with a smile as he tries to help convince Ehrland to pay them.
Chrys nods slowly as she listens to Ehrland's proposal. "Sounds like somethin' I'd want ta get my hands into, to be sure. Three days is a journey though, an' we'd have at least one obligation in town a'fore we set off. Plus, I imagine some o' us would want t'get our supplies in order first." As the others begin to negotiate over the payment, Chrys opens her mouth to insist that they're going - it's goblins threatening the people, for goodness' sake! - but shuts it again as she almost hears the voice of Arine screeching in her ear, a memory of the last time they went through something like this: Keep your mouth shut and let the rest of us do the talking! We're going to help these people anyway, so relax and let the professionals here do their work! I swear, if it wasn't for me, you'd live in constant poverty...
Huffing, Chrys crosses her arm and tenses up, but bites her lip and manages to prevent herself from objecting to the rest of the party's attempt to haggle with Ehrland.
"Goblins, hm?" Kess had quietly been listening quietly towards the back of the group, staying quiety as she listened to Ehrland tell his story. "They can always prove to be quite the menace, especially if allowed to gather and breed in large numbers. Vesper does make a point, but there is a sense of urgency here, too... and I'm sure that it wouldn't hurt to give aid to the people of Melton and potentially get a good word or two out to Silverymoon as well. Although, I have to ask... just how close to the Evermoors would the road take us? I only ask this because, well... I've heard of things that dwell there, that's all."
When she realized that she'd never introduced herself, however, Kess awkwardly made her way closer to Ehrland, offering him a curtsy.
"I'm sorry... I never introduced myself. Kessdarra, Kessdarra Lorrath. A pleasure, mister...?"
”Well met, Kessdarra Lorrath, I am Ehrland Valison. And to answer your questions, Melton is still rather far south of Silverymoon, and it’s south of The Evermoor as well. You speak the truth, many things dwell in The Evermoors, and perhaps another time you will be needed up there, but for now, the road has been quiet through that region. At least it has been in the past few weeks.”
”Regarding payment, I can offer you a stipend of 50 gold for supplies. Or, if there’s something specific you need, I might be able to acquire it for you. I could also procure you a couple of healing potions from the priests here at the temple to help aid you in this endeavor. And if you are able to root out this band of goblins, I could pay you an additional 100gp on your return. Of course, that’s in addition to any treasure you may find along the way. It’s well known that goblins like shiny things, so if you do find a cave or mound full of them, it’s likely that they’ll have a few coins and trinkets stashed away.”
”Is that an acceptable amount?”
"Yes! And please get the healing potions for us. Better safe than sorry!"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"Yeah! that sounds good to me!" The tiny kobold would say with a smile. "If we might get in a fight... it might be good it I get some better armor." Krackle would say as he lifts his robe to reveal some shoddy looking leather armor that looks to have been cut down and stitched together to fit the small creatures frame. "Maybe some leather armor with little shiny pieces all over it! Can I have something like that?"
ooc: he is talking about studded leather armor
Lumen listens to his new companions negotiate with a bit of a half-smile. "Not bad," he thinks to himself, still trying not to attract attention.
Still, he does speak up with a question for Ehrland. "These goblins. Do you want them dead? Captured? What's the ask here? Also, is the 50 gold stipend and 100 gold reward for the whole group, or per person? Perhaps we could use a cart to pretend to be merchants and ambush a goblin ambush. Or maybe there's a better idea."
Does Lumen have a sense of the kind of terrain this stretch of road sits on? Rocky/forests/cliffs/water/etc?
To Vesper, Erhland replies, “Of course, I will go talk with the temple priests and procure two healing potions for you.
“As for you, little one, you should go and see Master Gilthur at The Battered Shield Armory. He’s a fine a craftsman as anyone when it comes to armor and shields. See if he’s got a small suit made for a gnome that might fit, you look to be about the same size.”
To Lumen, he answers, “I’ll leave that to you, but I have no use for captured goblins, so do with them what you will. Just make sure they aren’t able to bother any more travelers. At the very least, make sure you kill the goblin boss if you do find one that seems to be leading the charge. It’s never good to let them loose, that only brings more trouble later. I’d say bring me his head, but I have no desire to smell a dead goblin’s head that’s been transported in the summer heat for three days, and I’m guessing that neither do you. We’ll have to go on your word.”
”And the amounts are total, but as I said, if there’s something specific that you should need for this task, I’m open to hearing your request and doing what I can to procure it for you, providing it’s not something out of the question.”
”As for your strategy, that’s up to you. My advice is to get yourself up to Melton first. As of late, the road between here and Melton has been safe, it’s the stretch just beyond the village where trouble’s been seen.”
As for the terrain along The Evermoor Way, they lands just beyond Yartar are a mix of grasslands, sparse forests and isolated hills.
"Hmm," Chrys says, after quickly checking the others. "I think we'd be happy t'help ya out. As fer meself, I could use me a good halberd t'swing around... not quite sure I can afford a weapon like that yet, though," she adds. "T'be honest, it'd be more useful before the battle starts than after. I could pay ye back fer it when we return, if ya like." She rubs her chin, thinking. "Speakin' of which, say we do this mission successfully, an' we come back to Yartar. Where would we find ya to report on our success?"
Lumen is very happy to have some healing potions, given the day he had yesterday. (Also, the thing about the cart was more directed at his companions than Ehrland.)
"Dead. Got it. Works for me." he replies to Ehrland, with a half-smile. "I could use a small hand crossbow if we're going to be dealing with goblins and hopefully sneaking up on them. If you can track one down for me. Appreciate it."
He also reminds his friends they are due to stop by the magic shop for their reward.
Vesper thanks Ehrland for the potions before turning her attention to Lumen. "Oh right! Maybe the magician has more potions for us."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"Well... it's been quite some time since I've actually had to use my blades in combat outside of practice, but consider those goblins dealt with, sir. If they're anything like the goblins from my homeland, this shouldn't be too challenging if we're wise with our engagements." Kess would nod, patting the white ivory hilts of her scimitars. "As for supplies... well, if it isn't too much trouble, could we perhaps trouble you for a map of this region of Faerun, and a compass? It just occurred to me that it might be a good idea to have those on hand, should we find ourselves in a situation where our sense of direction is lost. It wouldn't do for you if we were to, say, somehow wander our way into the High Forest, or lose our way and end up as far east as Sundabar."
(OOC: Happy new year, everyone!!)
"I'm sure that Master Gilthur will be able to outfit you with the a fine quality halberd, and my 50gp advance should more than cover the cost of that kind of item. It is preferable that you take it out of that pool of coins rather than worry about paying me back later. He may also have a hand crossbow for purchase, but that is a much more expensive item. You will need to pool some of your winnings from yesterday in order to acquire one of those."
"Unfortunately, I do not have a map of this region, but go and see Esklindrar at his map and book shop. He is a fine sage who has the best mind for books and maps this side of Candlekeep. I warn you, he is not cheap, but he may let you look at the rather impressive map that he has of Faerûn in his shop. And if he doesn't have a compass to sell you, he will be able to tell you where to find one."
"As for meeting me later, the best place to find me on a given day is at the Golden Eagle. You can always ask for me there. In fact, you should meet me there after you have run your errands. I can give you your two potions then."
"OK, See you in a little while!" Krackle would say excitedly. he would then turn and look to his companions. "You can keep my part of the fifty coins. Once they bring me my ten bags of coins, I should have plenty if gold to buy some armor!" The kobold would the. look back towards the temple and rub his pointy chin. "I bet I will be pretty close to getting that house too! I really should ask someone how much a house costs..." he would say to himself aloud before looking towards his new friends. "Do you know how long it takes them to bring you your coins? If you get ten gold coins for every copper coin.. then I should get.. like.. A while bunch! I put my whole bag in!" He would say bouncing excitedly and rubbing his hands together. "Mom and dad are going to be so happy with me when I get them a nice place to live!" He would exclaim as he does a little dance and shake his butt and tail.