"My name is Krackle and I'm from Red Larch!" Krackle would say after slurping up the last remnants of his bowl of soup. "I grew up living above a stable connected to the inn where my mom worked. The inn keeper my mom, dad, sister, and me all live there for free as long as she showed up for work early and didn't leave until the place was nice and clean!" He would say happily. "She works all the time and I never got to see her much... but she would always bring home left overs late at night for us to eat! Since mom was always at work, most of the time my sister Hellen took care of me and dad. Hellen says that she was 10 years old when she found me.. and that I was almost dead when she brought me home and took care of me. Sometimes I would tell Hellen that I thought I could hear the animals talking at night but she always thought I was just being silly. Hellen is my best friend! She made me this bracelet a few years ago and has one just like it to match! "He would hold up his wrist to show a very plain and well worn friendship bracelet. "She said she lost hers though a few years ago..." He would say before pausing a moment... a bit of sadness coming to his face" . Dad's eyes don't work so good so I would help him do jobs around town to make some coin so Hellen could go to school. We all hoped that maybe if she went to school she could get an important job making enough coin to buy a house! But... Well.. Hellen left us so now it is up to me! " He would say while forcing a smile as he quickly looks for some additional food.
The food is good, and the wine is tasty, and as the conversation flows naturally around the table, Chrys waits until there's a short lull before speaking.
"FIrst o' all, thank ye for havin' us over. We 'preciate such a fine meal, 'specially afore we set off on our next adventure out o' town. I reckon it's gonna be a long while 'fore we have another meal this tasty,"she says honestly. She makes sure to catch Nicholas' eye; the boy is hiding in the back, trying to make himself unobtrusive, but she gives him a big wink and a grin to make sure he knows he's included in her gratitude.
"As for me, I think I mentioned Chrys is ma name. That ain't the whole truth, though. I got me a right proper mouthful o' a name from me family. Chrysoberyl Vos'rorn, o' the Vos'rorn Clan. Ya probably haven't heard o' them all the way out here... Twilight Tor's not much more than a two-goat vacation town, compared to Yartar. But my da runs the best smithy there, and don't let anybody tell ya otherwise," she says proudly. "Sadly, I didn't inherit much o' his skills... was always more o' a brawler, if ya get my drift. Didn't make my ma happy in the least,"she adds with a chuckle.
"I joined the guards young, an' worked my way up to a captain," she says with even greater pride. "But again, it's a sleepy town, an' we didn't really have much to do 'sides fend of the local vermin and keep the goats safe. I got the urge to wander when a few friends o' mine passed through. Well, he ain' there now, but there was this dragonborn, Silver, who introduced me to a cleric, taught me to take my faith a lil' more seriously, and maybe to think with my fists a lil' less." A flash of sadness passes over Chrys's face. "An' my friend Arine... ya just missed her, really, she ran off right afore we met ya. She's the one who showed me I didn't have to lose my faith in the Duin to serve as a holy warrior."
Pausing, she looks around the table. "Really, there ain't much more to say 'bout me. I'm just a country girl who ran away from home before me ma could marry me off. I don't got the depth and the breath of the trouble and travelin' most other adventurin' folk seem ta go through, an' I count myself lucky for it. I think," she says slowly, twirling the spoon through the last of her soup. "I think that maybe the Duin put me out here, not 'cause I needed any help, but 'cause I needed to be out here ta help others." Her eyes pass slowly over each member of the party: Vesper, who though giggling and sipping at the wine perhaps a little too eagerly, has had her own troubles controlling her wild magic; Lumen, well-spoken and talented, although always suffering from some sort of melancholy and severe indigestion; Kess, beautiful, mysterious, and slightly reserved; and finally Krackle, the little kobold with the broken body but ever-cheerful spirit. She smiles, a more thoughtful and wistful smile than she usually wears. "I could be wrong... I am wrong lots o' times. But I swear to the Duin, when I'm with these people, it feels like I'm doin' somethin' right."
With that, she picks up her bowl and slurps up the rest of it noisily, hiding the slight dusting of red on her cheeks.
"Well, I don't really come from anywhere. I grew up as part of a troupe of performers who traveled from place to place. I've always been good at magic, so I used that to perform a few tricks for the audience, like the ones that I put up last night. But sometimes my powers did things I don't want them to do, so I left the troupe. Just until I can find out how to control my magic, so that I don't actually blow up or do some other things that hurt people."
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Ooh, thank you so much for the soup. This spice is really good! I think I've had that smoky and spicy flavor before; Chultan Ember chili peppers, correct? My compliments to the chef."
Kess took due care to not make a mess of herself, which was easy enough. They weren't rushed, and why would they be? They were, apparently, guests.
And that was when the man of the hour appeared. Kessdarra smelled the lavender first, then noticed the flowing robes and the man within them. Everything about this man's presentation was pressed, flowing, regal, mysterious. His attire practically screamed "I am a wizard". At first, Kess prepared herself for having to potentially deal with an outrageously pompous individual (as wizards had a tendency to sometimes be), but as the gentleman spoke, she was put quite at ease and surprised by his genteel but down-to-earth manner.
She listened as the the others spoke, soaking in their stories (save for Vesper, whom Kess already knew).
((Perception roll to see if Kess notices Lumen looking her way: 22 ))
The half-orc, Lumen, first regaled them of his travels of his time across the land. Kessdarra perked up at the mention of Fireshear, but Castle Hartwick was a place she'd never heard of. Where was that, she wondered? Further north, maybe? Or west? She didn't know.
Little Krackle spoke next, and as she listened, Kess tried her best not to melt into a puddle at how sweet and kind the strange little kobold was; he clearly loved his family very much, that was evident as he spoke. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't help but feel that something about his demeanor was... strange. Simple.
But before she could voice her concerns, Chrys and Vesper spoke next. Twilight Tor was, indeed, unknown to Kess' mind, and that only made her remember just how truly little she knew of the world around her. Kess couldn't help but offer Vesper a sympathetic smile as she confided in wanting to learn how to control her sorcerous abilities; it had to be painful, knowing that your very innate powers could become a danger to those you care about.
When the entire group turned to her suddenly, however, Kess jolted for a moment, blinking her eyes rapidly as she she took a moment to collect herself.
"So... before I begin... Krackle, I don't mean to be patronizing or rude in asking this, but... just how old are you???" Kess looked at the little kobold, real and evident concern upon her fair face. "I'm sorry if that seems prying, you don't need to answer that if you don't want to.
"As for me... I'm... well... evidently, the newest and very recent addition to the, um... Pie... Pals." Kessdarra stumbled on her own tongue as she sounded out the name; it was going to take a bit of time to remember that was an actual name for the party and not merely a silly epithet. "Well... I'm Kessdarra. Kessdarra Lorrath, of Lonelywood, a little town in Icewind Dale, tucked along Maer Dualdon and the woods of the same name. And for the most part, I'm but a humble barmaid, waitress, and occasional bouncer. I left home a few years ago, during a spring melt, and have slowly been making my way both far and wide since then. Though, for half the time I've been this far south, I did quite a bit of work in Luskan. Mercifully, not in a bad part of the city; my employer made sure of that. I'm... well, nothing special, really. Just a lady with a pretty face that happens to be much stronger than she looks. Although... I've always wanted to learn about how to use the Art. It was said that I have the potential when I was a little girl. As for what brings me here? I unfortunately... or fortunately, depending on circumstance, missed all the excitement with the rats. I was earning my keep over at the Golden Eagle for the Shieldsmeet, and now that it is over, I find myself in need of employ once more."
Krackle would look up from his bowl as a few drops of soup drip from his snout. "Umm... well.. my sister told me her finding me was her best birthday present ever... and she had just had her 10th birthday a couple weeks earlier.. so... ummm.." Krackle would count on his fingers and stick out his lizardlike tounge as if doing some serious math... "I guess I am probably.... 6... almost 6?" He would reply with a smile, puffing out his chest. "Hellen left the day after her her birthday party when she turned 16.. and then I left a few days after that..." He would say with a small frown when mentioning his sister before shaking his head and smiling again. "Before leaving home, my sister and parents were really the only people I ever talked to, and mom worked all day and Hellen was as school a lot so most of the time it was just me and dad. He doesnt talk much." Krackle would finish before taking another slurp from his bowl.
Master Dundragon listens intently to each of you introduce yourselves. He appears to be paying close attention, although he does occasionally stare off into the distance with a blank look as if he’s thinking about something else. Or, maybe it’s just him processing everything that’s being said. Either way, he always snaps back to the conversation without missing a beat. When you’re all done speaking, he takes his turn to answer your questions and respond to what’s been said.
“Well then, Lumen, Krackle, Chystoberyl, Vesper and Kessdarra, it is my pleasure to make your formal acquaintance. My full name is Ander Bran Dundragon. I was born and raised in Waterdeep, but have lived here in Yartar for fifteen years. Prior to that, I spent my time traveling through The North, doing what all adventurous men and women do in their youth: searching for secrets, knowledge and lost treasure and learning about the world. I learned magic from my mother. She was a mage herself, and a very kind person at that. She influenced me a great deal in my life and encouraged me as a young curious lad. Now I’m just an older curious lad.”
“Anyway, after having my share of frightening encounters and close calls, I decided to settle down here, where it is much less hectic than the big city. I find that I like the pace here, as well as the open air. Now, I spend my days putting my experience and knowledge to use, doing research and trying to perfect my craft.”
”As a student of the arts of transmutation, I am fascinated by the notion of being able to manipulate energy and matter. I learned a long time about that the world is not fixed, but eminently fluid, and with careful study and practice, one can learn to alter the very properties of the physical world. Of course, with that kind of power comes great influence, and so one must be careful not to upset the balance of the world too much, lest we fall into utter chaos.”
”However, I take a much more altruistic path than many who possess such skills. Rather than use my arcane abilities to influence lords and kings, or shape the world in some singular vision, I prefer to use my skills to benefit the goodwill of those around me. I feel I am well on my path to fulfilling my own personal goals, and if I can help others reach their potential, then I see that as a noble cause.“
”Unfortunately, the world of magic is not a free one, and so to fund my efforts, I opened my shop, which I have owned for ten years now. I sell the occasional scroll, potion and enchanted item to other adventurous souls who pass through Yartar, and I consult from time to time. I’ve been known to craft a few items, but of course, those opportunities are rare, simply because of the coin involved.”
“Nicolas is my apprentice, and he’s a very good lad. I took him in five years ago after he lost both of his parents. He shows a lot of promise, and I think he’ll grow up to be a fine mage himself. He’s already learned a few skills. I’m quite impressed with the boy.”
”I must admit, I have never hosted a kobold in my home before, and a kind one at that. It seems as if the world is changing before our very eyes and without the aid of magic, wouldn’t you say? And yes, that is a fine bracelet indeed, Krackle.”
”Chrys, your family gave you an apt name indeed. Chrystoberyl is one of the hardest gems known, and by your own words, I can imagine that you have the tenacity to match. I think that no one would want to be on the wrong side of your hammer.”
”My dear Vesper, I have heard about such sorcerers whose arcane abilities come with the occasional unintended and chaotic consequence. Since my art is learned and not natural, I’m afraid I have little advice for you, but perhaps through practice and experience you will learn to control your magic.”
“Kess, yes, good taste buds! I am glad you like the soup. It’s one of my favorites as well, so I taught Nicolas how to prepare it to my liking. He may grow up to be as good a cook will be a mage! I have never traveled to Icewind Dale, but my other was from Luskan, so I have spent time there. It’s been a few years, though.
”Lumen, I am glad that you have found Yartar to be a friendly place to perform. We do like music here, so I’m not surprised that you received a good reception yesterday. And I am so very sorry once again that my rats caused you such pain. They are gone now, and I won’t be replacing them. I’ll have to find some other way to do my research. And as I promised, I do have a small reward for you, and also a possible job, if you are interested.”
”But first, if you don’t mind, I should like to hear more where your next adventure will take you.”
"Well we are already going to take care of some mean goblins, but I am sure we can probably accept another job from you too!" The kobold would say with a smile as he plays with the bracelet on his wrist.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I wonder if Chrys ever notices anything at all about Lumen and Kess, ever, after this latest exchange? INSIGHT: 18
(Edit: Yes! She finally totally notices SOMETHING this time! XD)
As Krackle tells of his family, Chrys's mouth forms into a thin line. His story seems to confirm her suspicions: that the great love he holds for this "family" of his is, in part, a blindness - perhaps willful, at that - to what seems to be clearly abusive parenting, and most likely from his father. She sighs inwardly as she wrestles with the notion of protecting Krackle from someone he loves. From the sounds of it, perhaps his mother might need some saving as well. She also notes the name of his missing sister, Hellen - the girl likely had the smarts to get out while the getting was good - and reserves her judgement on that one, mostly because of the great love Krackle seems to hold for her... but also the fact that she left her "little brother" behind when she fled.
Krackle seems too excited and overwhelmed to notice Chrys's slight frown and thoughtful stare as he speaks; realizing that her expression would likely be considered rude to their generous host, she quickly attempts to correct her posture and puts her thoughts to the side. As Ander starts to wax eloquent about his arcane studies, Chrys tries hard to follow along, but can't help the glazed look that comes over her eyes as he speaks of "eminently fluid properties" - she never was one for her studies. It's not that she can't follow along with the simplified presentation he's trying to give them about something he obviously holds a lot of passion for; it's more that intellectual pursuits have always bored her to tears; capable of understanding them or not, she's never been able to focus her attention on academics, and it plagues her to this day.
She sits up at attention when she hears talk of altruism and noble causes, but slumps once more as the discussion quickly descends into money talk - another thing she was never very skilled at. Still, she gets the gist of his speech... he means well, as does his apprentice, and so she figures the incident with the rats was an outlier, and not a matter to be brought to the city watch for rectification.
His praise of the party is high, and though another blush graces her face at his high praise for her personally, she manages to keep her head upright and smile and nod along as he compliments the rest of the party in turn.
Hearing the others talk of the job, she nods in agreement. “Truth o’ the matter is, unless yer job is vital to the safety o’ the good folk here, we likely won’t have a spare moment to do it, since we gotta prepare to stop them goblins in their tracks. But if it ain’t somethin’ pressin’, I’m sure we could still try ta help ya somehow.”
Kess does indeed spot Lumen's quick, nearly imperceptible glance with her keen eyes, and as she listens to him speak, she can't help but shake the feeling that there's something vaguely familiar about him. While it's true that to many lay folk, many half orcs do carry a similar appearance, there's something unique about this one that makes her feel as if she's encountered him before. However, she's unable to recall when or where that might have been, if indeed it were true.
Given Chrys's vantage point sitting right across from the half orc, she spots the look glance that Lumen gives Less as well, although nothing on his face would indicate the exact nature or meaning of the glance.
Master Dundragon answers you inquiry about his job. "Yes, the Evermoor way always has its share of traffic, and not all of it friendly. The Yartar Guard patrols it for a day or two outside of the town, but that's no assurance that it's ever completely safe. Especially when it comes to goblins, who pour like water into any possible opportunity for thieving and pilfering. It's always helpful to stir them out of the mix."
"My job is nothing like that, it's more of an errand. There's a dryad named Phelannie who lives on the edge of the High Forest, right where the River Dessarin enters the wood, about 3-4 days walk from here. I've known her for years, but I haven't been able to make it up there in awhile. Dear girl, would you mind looking in on her and making sure she is ok. And bring me a lock of her hair. You should have no trouble acquiring this item if you mention it's for me."
"As for your rewards, I have two items for you, which may give you aid on your adventure. Nicholas, would you go and fetch them please?"
Nicolas disappears for a minute, then returns with the two items: a hollow wooden tube with a small scroll tucked inside, and a small glass vial filled with purplish black liquid. Ander describes them as he places them on the table before you.
"Seems a reasonable errand. Also seems reasonable to ask how you met this dryad, what you want to do with her hair, and why she will be happy to give it to us. Also does that additional compensation have a number attached to it? It's a long trip."
Would Lumen be familiar with this area, and know if it is anywhere near the Evermoor road?
"I've known Phelannie for years, since my adventuring days. I met her while traveling through the edge the High Forest, looking for some lost temple or city... I don't even remember... there were so many of those kinds of excursions back when I was a youngster. I came across a group of hobgoblins who were trying to chop her tree down for firewood. I helped her fight them off. Put them all to sleep, and then slit their throats."
"She was most appreciative, and we instantly took a liking to each other..." Long pause... "I spent the rest of the summer in the forest with her. She taught me much about nature, and I told her stories about all the things I'd learned from my travels and from all the books I'd read. Which reminds me, if you ever come across any interesting books during your adventures, I would be most interested in purchasing them from you."
"At any rate, when summer gave way to cooler temperatures, I left the forest and made my way to Silverymoon, where I attained employment as a sage. Since then, I've visited at least once each year, but sadly, as I've gotten busier, my visits have been shorter and less frequent of late. It has been many moons since I last saw Phelannie, and I do worry about her, which is why I would like you to check up on her."
"As for the lock of her hair, it's something small that reminds me of her. She gives me one each time I visit, as a small token that represents the the memory of our time together. If you were to bring one back, it would assure me that she is ok."
"Regarding compensation, as I said, this is less of a job than an errand, if indeed you had the time for such a detour. I would be glad to provide you with appropriate travel expenses, and upon your return, I could offer your another scroll, would that be suitable?"
Lumen, roll a history check to see if you are familiar with the area.
"I think we could prob'ly fit that in our schedule,"Chrys says, looking at the others for confirmation. "But them goblins have gotta come first, that's my vote."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lumen also nods at Chyrs' suggestion. He's fairly distrustful of Ander, given how they met him, but the mage is slowly winning him over with plausible answers. His body language is starting to relax as he silently puzzles over the request, and the sense that there isn't an intended "catch" to what he is asking of the group. Lumen has been burned before by a couple other such people of high status and has learned to distrust.
"Well, of course goblins come first. There's no question about that," Ander answers with a tone of friendly authority. "As stated, this is an errand you could potentially run after your finish dealing with whatever current flood of goblins you encounter."
"And since you've agreed to run the errand, I will give you more complete directions. At Calling Horns, the Evermoor Way forks. Take the right trail and follow The Dessarin River for a day to the village of Noanar's Hold, which lies at the edge of the High Forest. From there, continue along the trail into the forest for three hours, until you reach The Old Man tree. Turn left off the path and walk for five hundred paces to a small clearing and look for a maple tree that's standing alone in a grove full of tall oaks. That's Phelannie's tree."
Lumen
From your travels and stories, you do know that there is a path along the Dessarin River that leads into High Forest. You have heard of Noanar's Hold, which is a small village at the edge of the forest, known for its famous hunting lodge that would often attract wealthy nobles and merchants.
Finishing her meal, Chrys nods. "This was delicious," she says. "It'll certainly keep us when we take to the road. Now, much as I hate to leave good company, it's probl'y gettin' on a bit in the afternoon... this might be a good chance to start out on our journey, afore the sun sets. Or are any o' you lookin' to spend one last night in the comfort o' a bed here? T'be honest, I don't mind campin' on the road, though... s'more the life I'm used to these days," she adds.
"let's go!" Krackle would exclaim excitedly as he quickly stuffs any remaining chunks of bread and stuffs them into the pockets of his new robe. As he dies si, he would notice a few coins he didnt have before. He would open his mouth as though to say something before looking to Lumen and smiling. "Thanks again for the food. We will get you that hair, dont you worry." He would add as he bounced out the door. Once outside ge would quickly shield his eyes once agai. from the bright sun as he staggers a bit while his eyes adjust. he would then turn and look to Chrys and Kess. "So umm sometimes Silver would have carry me after walking for a long time because I would have a hard time keeping up. Do you think one of you could pick me up if I start to slow down the group? I dont want to get left behind..." He would say with a nervous smile.
"Aye, moving along is a good idea, Chrys," Lumen says, trying to properly set his napkin on the table and not just brush crumbs onto the floor. "Thank you for the potion and the scroll, Mister Ander. Works for us for a reward."He picks them up and offers them to anyone who's interested. If no one takes the scroll, he'll pocket it.
"We'll look around for your dryad's hair. Sounds like it could be an interesting time. Good luck with your studies in the meantime."He walks out with the druid, sorcerer, and paladin.
When Krackle asks about carrying, he scoops him up with a smile and plops the kobold on his broad shoulders. "Feel free to climb up whenever you're tired, or full of soup! Maybe we pick up some food for the road on the way out? Perhaps some savory meats and veggies, stewed in delicious sauces, all wrapped and baked in a dough-like crust... what's the name of that, again?"
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"My name is Krackle and I'm from Red Larch!" Krackle would say after slurping up the last remnants of his bowl of soup. "I grew up living above a stable connected to the inn where my mom worked. The inn keeper my mom, dad, sister, and me all live there for free as long as she showed up for work early and didn't leave until the place was nice and clean!" He would say happily. "She works all the time and I never got to see her much... but she would always bring home left overs late at night for us to eat! Since mom was always at work, most of the time my sister Hellen took care of me and dad. Hellen says that she was 10 years old when she found me.. and that I was almost dead when she brought me home and took care of me. Sometimes I would tell Hellen that I thought I could hear the animals talking at night but she always thought I was just being silly. Hellen is my best friend! She made me this bracelet a few years ago and has one just like it to match! "He would hold up his wrist to show a very plain and well worn friendship bracelet. "She said she lost hers though a few years ago..." He would say before pausing a moment... a bit of sadness coming to his face" . Dad's eyes don't work so good so I would help him do jobs around town to make some coin so Hellen could go to school. We all hoped that maybe if she went to school she could get an important job making enough coin to buy a house! But... Well.. Hellen left us so now it is up to me! " He would say while forcing a smile as he quickly looks for some additional food.
The food is good, and the wine is tasty, and as the conversation flows naturally around the table, Chrys waits until there's a short lull before speaking.
"FIrst o' all, thank ye for havin' us over. We 'preciate such a fine meal, 'specially afore we set off on our next adventure out o' town. I reckon it's gonna be a long while 'fore we have another meal this tasty," she says honestly. She makes sure to catch Nicholas' eye; the boy is hiding in the back, trying to make himself unobtrusive, but she gives him a big wink and a grin to make sure he knows he's included in her gratitude.
"As for me, I think I mentioned Chrys is ma name. That ain't the whole truth, though. I got me a right proper mouthful o' a name from me family. Chrysoberyl Vos'rorn, o' the Vos'rorn Clan. Ya probably haven't heard o' them all the way out here... Twilight Tor's not much more than a two-goat vacation town, compared to Yartar. But my da runs the best smithy there, and don't let anybody tell ya otherwise," she says proudly. "Sadly, I didn't inherit much o' his skills... was always more o' a brawler, if ya get my drift. Didn't make my ma happy in the least," she adds with a chuckle.
"I joined the guards young, an' worked my way up to a captain," she says with even greater pride. "But again, it's a sleepy town, an' we didn't really have much to do 'sides fend of the local vermin and keep the goats safe. I got the urge to wander when a few friends o' mine passed through. Well, he ain' there now, but there was this dragonborn, Silver, who introduced me to a cleric, taught me to take my faith a lil' more seriously, and maybe to think with my fists a lil' less." A flash of sadness passes over Chrys's face. "An' my friend Arine... ya just missed her, really, she ran off right afore we met ya. She's the one who showed me I didn't have to lose my faith in the Duin to serve as a holy warrior."
Pausing, she looks around the table. "Really, there ain't much more to say 'bout me. I'm just a country girl who ran away from home before me ma could marry me off. I don't got the depth and the breath of the trouble and travelin' most other adventurin' folk seem ta go through, an' I count myself lucky for it. I think," she says slowly, twirling the spoon through the last of her soup. "I think that maybe the Duin put me out here, not 'cause I needed any help, but 'cause I needed to be out here ta help others." Her eyes pass slowly over each member of the party: Vesper, who though giggling and sipping at the wine perhaps a little too eagerly, has had her own troubles controlling her wild magic; Lumen, well-spoken and talented, although always suffering from some sort of melancholy and severe indigestion; Kess, beautiful, mysterious, and slightly reserved; and finally Krackle, the little kobold with the broken body but ever-cheerful spirit. She smiles, a more thoughtful and wistful smile than she usually wears. "I could be wrong... I am wrong lots o' times. But I swear to the Duin, when I'm with these people, it feels like I'm doin' somethin' right."
With that, she picks up her bowl and slurps up the rest of it noisily, hiding the slight dusting of red on her cheeks.
"Well, I don't really come from anywhere. I grew up as part of a troupe of performers who traveled from place to place. I've always been good at magic, so I used that to perform a few tricks for the audience, like the ones that I put up last night. But sometimes my powers did things I don't want them to do, so I left the troupe. Just until I can find out how to control my magic, so that I don't actually blow up or do some other things that hurt people."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"Ooh, thank you so much for the soup. This spice is really good! I think I've had that smoky and spicy flavor before; Chultan Ember chili peppers, correct? My compliments to the chef."
Kess took due care to not make a mess of herself, which was easy enough. They weren't rushed, and why would they be? They were, apparently, guests.
And that was when the man of the hour appeared. Kessdarra smelled the lavender first, then noticed the flowing robes and the man within them. Everything about this man's presentation was pressed, flowing, regal, mysterious. His attire practically screamed "I am a wizard". At first, Kess prepared herself for having to potentially deal with an outrageously pompous individual (as wizards had a tendency to sometimes be), but as the gentleman spoke, she was put quite at ease and surprised by his genteel but down-to-earth manner.
She listened as the the others spoke, soaking in their stories (save for Vesper, whom Kess already knew).
((Perception roll to see if Kess notices Lumen looking her way: 22 ))
The half-orc, Lumen, first regaled them of his travels of his time across the land. Kessdarra perked up at the mention of Fireshear, but Castle Hartwick was a place she'd never heard of. Where was that, she wondered? Further north, maybe? Or west? She didn't know.
Little Krackle spoke next, and as she listened, Kess tried her best not to melt into a puddle at how sweet and kind the strange little kobold was; he clearly loved his family very much, that was evident as he spoke. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't help but feel that something about his demeanor was... strange. Simple.
But before she could voice her concerns, Chrys and Vesper spoke next. Twilight Tor was, indeed, unknown to Kess' mind, and that only made her remember just how truly little she knew of the world around her. Kess couldn't help but offer Vesper a sympathetic smile as she confided in wanting to learn how to control her sorcerous abilities; it had to be painful, knowing that your very innate powers could become a danger to those you care about.
When the entire group turned to her suddenly, however, Kess jolted for a moment, blinking her eyes rapidly as she she took a moment to collect herself.
"So... before I begin... Krackle, I don't mean to be patronizing or rude in asking this, but... just how old are you???" Kess looked at the little kobold, real and evident concern upon her fair face. "I'm sorry if that seems prying, you don't need to answer that if you don't want to.
"As for me... I'm... well... evidently, the newest and very recent addition to the, um... Pie... Pals." Kessdarra stumbled on her own tongue as she sounded out the name; it was going to take a bit of time to remember that was an actual name for the party and not merely a silly epithet. "Well... I'm Kessdarra. Kessdarra Lorrath, of Lonelywood, a little town in Icewind Dale, tucked along Maer Dualdon and the woods of the same name. And for the most part, I'm but a humble barmaid, waitress, and occasional bouncer. I left home a few years ago, during a spring melt, and have slowly been making my way both far and wide since then. Though, for half the time I've been this far south, I did quite a bit of work in Luskan. Mercifully, not in a bad part of the city; my employer made sure of that. I'm... well, nothing special, really. Just a lady with a pretty face that happens to be much stronger than she looks. Although... I've always wanted to learn about how to use the Art. It was said that I have the potential when I was a little girl. As for what brings me here? I unfortunately... or fortunately, depending on circumstance, missed all the excitement with the rats. I was earning my keep over at the Golden Eagle for the Shieldsmeet, and now that it is over, I find myself in need of employ once more."
Krackle would look up from his bowl as a few drops of soup drip from his snout. "Umm... well.. my sister told me her finding me was her best birthday present ever... and she had just had her 10th birthday a couple weeks earlier.. so... ummm.." Krackle would count on his fingers and stick out his lizardlike tounge as if doing some serious math... "I guess I am probably.... 6... almost 6?" He would reply with a smile, puffing out his chest. "Hellen left the day after her her birthday party when she turned 16.. and then I left a few days after that..." He would say with a small frown when mentioning his sister before shaking his head and smiling again. "Before leaving home, my sister and parents were really the only people I ever talked to, and mom worked all day and Hellen was as school a lot so most of the time it was just me and dad. He doesnt talk much." Krackle would finish before taking another slurp from his bowl.
Master Dundragon listens intently to each of you introduce yourselves. He appears to be paying close attention, although he does occasionally stare off into the distance with a blank look as if he’s thinking about something else. Or, maybe it’s just him processing everything that’s being said. Either way, he always snaps back to the conversation without missing a beat. When you’re all done speaking, he takes his turn to answer your questions and respond to what’s been said.
“Well then, Lumen, Krackle, Chystoberyl, Vesper and Kessdarra, it is my pleasure to make your formal acquaintance. My full name is Ander Bran Dundragon. I was born and raised in Waterdeep, but have lived here in Yartar for fifteen years. Prior to that, I spent my time traveling through The North, doing what all adventurous men and women do in their youth: searching for secrets, knowledge and lost treasure and learning about the world. I learned magic from my mother. She was a mage herself, and a very kind person at that. She influenced me a great deal in my life and encouraged me as a young curious lad. Now I’m just an older curious lad.”
“Anyway, after having my share of frightening encounters and close calls, I decided to settle down here, where it is much less hectic than the big city. I find that I like the pace here, as well as the open air. Now, I spend my days putting my experience and knowledge to use, doing research and trying to perfect my craft.”
”As a student of the arts of transmutation, I am fascinated by the notion of being able to manipulate energy and matter. I learned a long time about that the world is not fixed, but eminently fluid, and with careful study and practice, one can learn to alter the very properties of the physical world. Of course, with that kind of power comes great influence, and so one must be careful not to upset the balance of the world too much, lest we fall into utter chaos.”
”However, I take a much more altruistic path than many who possess such skills. Rather than use my arcane abilities to influence lords and kings, or shape the world in some singular vision, I prefer to use my skills to benefit the goodwill of those around me. I feel I am well on my path to fulfilling my own personal goals, and if I can help others reach their potential, then I see that as a noble cause.“
”Unfortunately, the world of magic is not a free one, and so to fund my efforts, I opened my shop, which I have owned for ten years now. I sell the occasional scroll, potion and enchanted item to other adventurous souls who pass through Yartar, and I consult from time to time. I’ve been known to craft a few items, but of course, those opportunities are rare, simply because of the coin involved.”
“Nicolas is my apprentice, and he’s a very good lad. I took him in five years ago after he lost both of his parents. He shows a lot of promise, and I think he’ll grow up to be a fine mage himself. He’s already learned a few skills. I’m quite impressed with the boy.”
”I must admit, I have never hosted a kobold in my home before, and a kind one at that. It seems as if the world is changing before our very eyes and without the aid of magic, wouldn’t you say? And yes, that is a fine bracelet indeed, Krackle.”
”Chrys, your family gave you an apt name indeed. Chrystoberyl is one of the hardest gems known, and by your own words, I can imagine that you have the tenacity to match. I think that no one would want to be on the wrong side of your hammer.”
”My dear Vesper, I have heard about such sorcerers whose arcane abilities come with the occasional unintended and chaotic consequence. Since my art is learned and not natural, I’m afraid I have little advice for you, but perhaps through practice and experience you will learn to control your magic.”
“Kess, yes, good taste buds! I am glad you like the soup. It’s one of my favorites as well, so I taught Nicolas how to prepare it to my liking. He may grow up to be as good a cook will be a mage! I have never traveled to Icewind Dale, but my other was from Luskan, so I have spent time there. It’s been a few years, though.
”Lumen, I am glad that you have found Yartar to be a friendly place to perform. We do like music here, so I’m not surprised that you received a good reception yesterday. And I am so very sorry once again that my rats caused you such pain. They are gone now, and I won’t be replacing them. I’ll have to find some other way to do my research. And as I promised, I do have a small reward for you, and also a possible job, if you are interested.”
”But first, if you don’t mind, I should like to hear more where your next adventure will take you.”
"Well we are already going to take care of some mean goblins, but I am sure we can probably accept another job from you too!" The kobold would say with a smile as he plays with the bracelet on his wrist.
"Reports of more attacks than usual up on Evermoor Way," Lumen agrees, with a nod. "Heard anything? Where and what is your possible job?"
I wonder if Chrys ever notices anything at all about Lumen and Kess, ever, after this latest exchange?
INSIGHT: 18
(Edit: Yes! She finally totally notices SOMETHING this time! XD)
As Krackle tells of his family, Chrys's mouth forms into a thin line. His story seems to confirm her suspicions: that the great love he holds for this "family" of his is, in part, a blindness - perhaps willful, at that - to what seems to be clearly abusive parenting, and most likely from his father. She sighs inwardly as she wrestles with the notion of protecting Krackle from someone he loves. From the sounds of it, perhaps his mother might need some saving as well. She also notes the name of his missing sister, Hellen - the girl likely had the smarts to get out while the getting was good - and reserves her judgement on that one, mostly because of the great love Krackle seems to hold for her... but also the fact that she left her "little brother" behind when she fled.
Krackle seems too excited and overwhelmed to notice Chrys's slight frown and thoughtful stare as he speaks; realizing that her expression would likely be considered rude to their generous host, she quickly attempts to correct her posture and puts her thoughts to the side. As Ander starts to wax eloquent about his arcane studies, Chrys tries hard to follow along, but can't help the glazed look that comes over her eyes as he speaks of "eminently fluid properties" - she never was one for her studies. It's not that she can't follow along with the simplified presentation he's trying to give them about something he obviously holds a lot of passion for; it's more that intellectual pursuits have always bored her to tears; capable of understanding them or not, she's never been able to focus her attention on academics, and it plagues her to this day.
She sits up at attention when she hears talk of altruism and noble causes, but slumps once more as the discussion quickly descends into money talk - another thing she was never very skilled at. Still, she gets the gist of his speech... he means well, as does his apprentice, and so she figures the incident with the rats was an outlier, and not a matter to be brought to the city watch for rectification.
His praise of the party is high, and though another blush graces her face at his high praise for her personally, she manages to keep her head upright and smile and nod along as he compliments the rest of the party in turn.
Hearing the others talk of the job, she nods in agreement. “Truth o’ the matter is, unless yer job is vital to the safety o’ the good folk here, we likely won’t have a spare moment to do it, since we gotta prepare to stop them goblins in their tracks. But if it ain’t somethin’ pressin’, I’m sure we could still try ta help ya somehow.”
Kess does indeed spot Lumen's quick, nearly imperceptible glance with her keen eyes, and as she listens to him speak, she can't help but shake the feeling that there's something vaguely familiar about him. While it's true that to many lay folk, many half orcs do carry a similar appearance, there's something unique about this one that makes her feel as if she's encountered him before. However, she's unable to recall when or where that might have been, if indeed it were true.
Given Chrys's vantage point sitting right across from the half orc, she spots the look glance that Lumen gives Less as well, although nothing on his face would indicate the exact nature or meaning of the glance.
Master Dundragon answers you inquiry about his job. "Yes, the Evermoor way always has its share of traffic, and not all of it friendly. The Yartar Guard patrols it for a day or two outside of the town, but that's no assurance that it's ever completely safe. Especially when it comes to goblins, who pour like water into any possible opportunity for thieving and pilfering. It's always helpful to stir them out of the mix."
"My job is nothing like that, it's more of an errand. There's a dryad named Phelannie who lives on the edge of the High Forest, right where the River Dessarin enters the wood, about 3-4 days walk from here. I've known her for years, but I haven't been able to make it up there in awhile. Dear girl, would you mind looking in on her and making sure she is ok. And bring me a lock of her hair. You should have no trouble acquiring this item if you mention it's for me."
"As for your rewards, I have two items for you, which may give you aid on your adventure. Nicholas, would you go and fetch them please?"
Nicolas disappears for a minute, then returns with the two items: a hollow wooden tube with a small scroll tucked inside, and a small glass vial filled with purplish black liquid. Ander describes them as he places them on the table before you.
One is a spell scroll containing the spell Faerie Fire and the other is a Potion of Resistance against Poison.
"These are for your help last evening. If you were to bring me back a lock of Phellannie's hair, then I'm sure I could offer additional compensation."
"Seems a reasonable errand. Also seems reasonable to ask how you met this dryad, what you want to do with her hair, and why she will be happy to give it to us. Also does that additional compensation have a number attached to it? It's a long trip."
Would Lumen be familiar with this area, and know if it is anywhere near the Evermoor road?
"I've known Phelannie for years, since my adventuring days. I met her while traveling through the edge the High Forest, looking for some lost temple or city... I don't even remember... there were so many of those kinds of excursions back when I was a youngster. I came across a group of hobgoblins who were trying to chop her tree down for firewood. I helped her fight them off. Put them all to sleep, and then slit their throats."
"She was most appreciative, and we instantly took a liking to each other..." Long pause... "I spent the rest of the summer in the forest with her. She taught me much about nature, and I told her stories about all the things I'd learned from my travels and from all the books I'd read. Which reminds me, if you ever come across any interesting books during your adventures, I would be most interested in purchasing them from you."
"At any rate, when summer gave way to cooler temperatures, I left the forest and made my way to Silverymoon, where I attained employment as a sage. Since then, I've visited at least once each year, but sadly, as I've gotten busier, my visits have been shorter and less frequent of late. It has been many moons since I last saw Phelannie, and I do worry about her, which is why I would like you to check up on her."
"As for the lock of her hair, it's something small that reminds me of her. She gives me one each time I visit, as a small token that represents the the memory of our time together. If you were to bring one back, it would assure me that she is ok."
"Regarding compensation, as I said, this is less of a job than an errand, if indeed you had the time for such a detour. I would be glad to provide you with appropriate travel expenses, and upon your return, I could offer your another scroll, would that be suitable?"
Lumen, roll a history check to see if you are familiar with the area.
"I think we could prob'ly fit that in our schedule," Chrys says, looking at the others for confirmation. "But them goblins have gotta come first, that's my vote."
"I agree with Chyrs!" The kobold would say with a smile, practically jumping from the chair on to the table in his excitement.
Lumen also nods at Chyrs' suggestion. He's fairly distrustful of Ander, given how they met him, but the mage is slowly winning him over with plausible answers. His body language is starting to relax as he silently puzzles over the request, and the sense that there isn't an intended "catch" to what he is asking of the group. Lumen has been burned before by a couple other such people of high status and has learned to distrust.
History: 8
"Well, of course goblins come first. There's no question about that," Ander answers with a tone of friendly authority. "As stated, this is an errand you could potentially run after your finish dealing with whatever current flood of goblins you encounter."
"And since you've agreed to run the errand, I will give you more complete directions. At Calling Horns, the Evermoor Way forks. Take the right trail and follow The Dessarin River for a day to the village of Noanar's Hold, which lies at the edge of the High Forest. From there, continue along the trail into the forest for three hours, until you reach The Old Man tree. Turn left off the path and walk for five hundred paces to a small clearing and look for a maple tree that's standing alone in a grove full of tall oaks. That's Phelannie's tree."
Lumen
From your travels and stories, you do know that there is a path along the Dessarin River that leads into High Forest. You have heard of Noanar's Hold, which is a small village at the edge of the forest, known for its famous hunting lodge that would often attract wealthy nobles and merchants.
Finishing her meal, Chrys nods. "This was delicious," she says. "It'll certainly keep us when we take to the road. Now, much as I hate to leave good company, it's probl'y gettin' on a bit in the afternoon... this might be a good chance to start out on our journey, afore the sun sets. Or are any o' you lookin' to spend one last night in the comfort o' a bed here? T'be honest, I don't mind campin' on the road, though... s'more the life I'm used to these days," she adds.
"I think that we should get going."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"let's go!" Krackle would exclaim excitedly as he quickly stuffs any remaining chunks of bread and stuffs them into the pockets of his new robe. As he dies si, he would notice a few coins he didnt have before. He would open his mouth as though to say something before looking to Lumen and smiling. "Thanks again for the food. We will get you that hair, dont you worry." He would add as he bounced out the door. Once outside ge would quickly shield his eyes once agai. from the bright sun as he staggers a bit while his eyes adjust. he would then turn and look to Chrys and Kess. "So umm sometimes Silver would have carry me after walking for a long time because I would have a hard time keeping up. Do you think one of you could pick me up if I start to slow down the group? I dont want to get left behind..." He would say with a nervous smile.
"Aye, moving along is a good idea, Chrys," Lumen says, trying to properly set his napkin on the table and not just brush crumbs onto the floor. "Thank you for the potion and the scroll, Mister Ander. Works for us for a reward." He picks them up and offers them to anyone who's interested. If no one takes the scroll, he'll pocket it.
"We'll look around for your dryad's hair. Sounds like it could be an interesting time. Good luck with your studies in the meantime." He walks out with the druid, sorcerer, and paladin.
When Krackle asks about carrying, he scoops him up with a smile and plops the kobold on his broad shoulders. "Feel free to climb up whenever you're tired, or full of soup! Maybe we pick up some food for the road on the way out? Perhaps some savory meats and veggies, stewed in delicious sauces, all wrapped and baked in a dough-like crust... what's the name of that, again?"