"Will do, Xianon," Serwa says. "It doesn't sound all that weird, by the way. When I first got into the whole Paladin of Kelemvor idea, and they talked about 'smites' and 'auras,' a lot of it sounded like a bunch of bull. Mind over matter, believe and you'll win - the same way commanders sometimes try to motivate soldiers, not something 'real' and tangible. It's only recently this whole thing has really started to 'click' for me. I mean, being a Paladin of a death god already earned me a lot of intimidation factor, fear and respect, but now that I'm actually being a channel for Kelemvor's power, healing wounds and seeing divine energy pop off my blade, it's something altogether different. We prepare and we train, but when these things actually happen, it can seem unreal. For me, anyway. I'm glad I'm strong enough now to really balance the scales in this world. I just wish I'd had more power, sooner. I might have been able to avoid losing some... very special people.
"I can't do anything for those who have passed, those I've already lost. But I'm starting to think it's OK to get attached to you all. Maybe my streak of losing people I get close to is over this time, for good. So... keep on living, and getting stronger, Xianon, Aster, and Tomora too, for if we cross paths again with her." She ends the moment of somewhat aimless, but optimistic, musing, with a shrug. "See you back at the inn."
Putting knowledge to practice. I know what you mean sir elf. Would be quite weird if I dont know what you were taling about. But allow me to ask: are the things you learnt where to hit a fool or is it meaningful spiritual guidance and chakra nonsense?
I find it interesting that from our group i am the one whos most interesting capabilities did not come out of studies and practice. But what is new can still be learned. And now that i have this Aster lifts his new staff focusing on the arcane should get a bit easier.
"It's all nonsense, until it actually works," Serwa says. She sings a song with a childlike tune, but bleak lyrics, about a little girl who wished every day for her overbearing family to disappear, and who one night has has wish answered by a sinister creature that posed as a plush toy, and caused her family to, in fact, disappear. Perform: 13
"Sometimes we get what we wanted. Then we have to hope we know what to do with that power," Serwa says, her usual monotone returned in full form.
Given the option of being offended or being amused, Xianon chooses the latter. "Serwa is quite right. You can assume I'm simply imagining that I'm harnessing ki - life energy - until I start running ridiculously fast, jumping across chasms, and laughing as I dodge attackers like I'm made of water." His eyes twinkle as he lists a few ways he used his ki in the Manor. "But anyway, I'm going to go use my mystic powers in that carpenter's shop. I'll see you in a bit."
Serwa waves and continues humming the song about the sinister toy come to life as she counts her share of the loot and tries to calculate “How many more gangs do we need to take down for me to afford some really grim looking full plate armor,” narrating this aloud to any nearby party members. “A few more,” she eventually concludes.
Xianon heads off towards the shop of the slain carpenter with a jaunty gait. It must be by complete coincidence that he's walking in time to Serwa's song.
When Serwa and Aster eventually make it to the Stonehill Inn, the dinner crowd has begin to trickle in. Word spreads quickly in a small town, and the adventurers are greeted with a standing ovation. Sparrow stands by the bar chatting with the barkeep, but his face lights up and he intercepts the party. "I hope you don't mind, but I told them about how you took down Glasstaff," he explains. Then he pauses. "Where's Xianon?"
Serwa nods, and asks Sparrow, "How is everyone reacting to the news? Small towns coping with change, there's a lot of room for unpredictability there. People used to routine sometimes don't care for that." She stares with the doll-like vacancy she takes on in most situations that aren't of great emotional intensity, and regards the assembled townsfolk curiously.
Sparrow is a bit confused at Serwa's question. He looks over his shoulder; the patrons are returning to their seats, but most are still beaming. "Umm.." he begins, turning back to Serwa, "I think they're taking it well. I'm sure the merchants will appreciate not paying us for...I mean, not paying for protection." His face reddens noticeably, but the embarrassment turns to excitement when he changes the subject. "And Sildar wants to form a constabulary!" he gushes proudly, "and I'm going to be part of it!"
"That's good. This town will need someone to keep order, to prevent it from falling back into lawlessness,"Serwa says. "We have some other business we need to focus on, still a missing person to locate, and we still need to see how all of this links to The Spider. But I expect we will be around for a while. You and your new force of constables can probably reach out to us for aid, if you need it. And we'll be watching you, of course, to make sure you all take your duties seriously, and don't just operate like thugs with badges." She doesn't smile, or make any indication of joking. She offers no social "out" for the awkward moment of her intense and unblinking stare. After she thinks the message has sunk in, she adds, "Of course, I'm expecting good things from you. People who have been given a second chance at life are wise to make the most of it. This is a good opportunity for you to balance the scales. I wish you all the gods' blessings. Even Kelemvor's, if you need it."
Sparrow's eyes go wide. "Blessing from...no, no, that's okay. Sir. Ma'am. My lady," he stammered. "I'll do my best. Sildar - I mean, Sir Sildar. Hallwinter. Sir Hallwinter..." He gives up. "Anyway, he'll be staying for a long while. He said the Lord's Alliance wants to help keep order. That's why. Why he's doing it. The constabulary, I mean. Oh," he adds, interrupting himself, "Umm, he said to tell you he'll leave a message with the innkeeper before we leave with Glasstaff. The prisoner. About what he said. Or will say. Now. What he's saying. They're talking now." He takes a deep breath, tired out from talking.
Serwa does not break the deadpan stare, but after allowing the nervous man to exhaust himself, adds, "Deep breath. This town needs an auctioneer, you'll be able to moonlight. I think it's a good thing, what you're doing here. I'll check with the innkeeper for the message about the departure., later"
She departs from Sparrow, sure she's done enough to remind the lad of the responsibility he has taken on to mend fences and put them fear of Kelemvor in him. She finds and advises Aster, "We'll get back to work tomorrow. I don't drink, so I'll probably celebrate with a game of Dragon Chess with the old guy who knows how the pieces move, or maybe I'll belt out a few songs no one wants to here. Good work today. Everyone, really. We've still got a lot of work to do here, but we can rest well, knowing we've at least made things safer close to home, in this village. 'Night, Aster."
As promised, she goes off to find the old man who knew how to play Dragon Chess, or another if she cannot locate him, or sings a few macabre songs in the tavern, not overstaying her welcome onstage if it sours the mood, and then takes a Long Rest.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perform: 19
OOC: She is not on her A-game musically
. If she can tell the crowd isn’t feeling it she will bow out after a song or two. She likely lead with songs rife with dark humor, the kind of “inside joke” that her party members are likely used to, or anyone inclined to gallows humor, but for common folk likely not typical pleasant tavern music fare.
After the dinner rush, but well before closing, Xianon returns to the inn. Toblen, the innkeeper, intercepts him and the two speak pleasantly for a moment before parting. Staff in hand, he approaches the table where Serwa and old Narth are clearing the pieces from their dragon chess match.
"How was the game?" Xianon asks.
"Evened up the series," the oldtimer says. "Which is a relief. I have a reputation to maintain, after all." He gives the elf a friendly wink. "But I hope she doesn't get discouraged a go back to singing." He gives Serwa a wink this time.
Xianon gives a small smile. "You should hear the one about the mermaid devouring the ship's crew. That's my favorite," he offers.
Then he hefts his staff. "Finished," he tells Serwa, "except for the carvings. But ready for service." As he described, the spearhead is gone, as are several inches of length. It's also quite slender now. "Anyway, I'm headed upstairs, as soon as Mr. Stonehill brings my dinner." He leans on his staff, and looks back at the kitchen.
After the dinner rush, but well before closing, Xianon returns to the inn. Toblen, the innkeeper, intercepts him and the two speak pleasantly for a moment before parting. Staff in hand, he approaches the table where Serwa and old Narth are clearing the pieces from their dragon chess match.
"How was the game?" Xianon asks.
"Evened up the series," the oldtimer says. "Which is a relief. I have a reputation to maintain, after all." He gives the elf a friendly wink. "But I hope she doesn't get discouraged a go back to singing." He gives Serwa a wink this time.
-- "Be careful, I could start to combine my hobbies. Good luck concentrating on taking my king then."
Xianon gives a small smile. "You should hear the one about the mermaid devouring the ship's crew. That's my favorite," he offers.
-- "Always a crowd pleaser. And a positive message, too, about the dangers of eating to excess."
Then he hefts his staff. "Finished," he tells Serwa, "except for the carvings. But ready for service." As he described, the spearhead is gone, as are several inches of length. It's also quite slender now. "Anyway, I'm headed upstairs, as soon as Mr. Stonehill brings my dinner." He leans on his staff, and looks back at the kitchen.
-----
Serwa regards the staff, it being from an entirely different "approach" to weaponry from the heavy arms she has trained in as a soldier and paladin, it is difficult for her to discern the qualities of monastic weapons, but she does offer, "It looks good even without the carvings. I'm sure you'll make it look even fancier, and then just end up getting it covered in blood and full of other people's teeth."
Serwa shares the information that the former Redbrand who surrendered has now become a town constable, and that she feels he will take his duties seriously. "He said they'll be taking Glasstaff to stand trial, they'll probably leave a message with the innkeeper."
Serwa also calls it a night at that point, having engaged in her hobbies enough to feel she has "rewarded herself" for a hard day's work, she also retires for a long rest.
OOC: Serwa is going to upgrade to Splint armor, by the way, I’ll subtract the gold, I assume standard arms and armor are available for sale in this town?
If you asked Barthen, he'd direct you to Linene down at the Lionshield Coster. She'll sell it to Serwa for 10% under the price listed in the PHB, both as thanks and as her own investment in the town's good. 180gp will be the price.
Serwa goes there and buys the new splint armor upgrade accordingly, sells her chain mail (assuming 1/2 base price), and also buys a few odds and ends to round out her weapon collection, including a Shield and a Quarterstaff. "The only place to go from here is Plate, and that's expensive. Guess I'll be saving up for a while."
Serwa Omen
"Will do, Xianon," Serwa says. "It doesn't sound all that weird, by the way. When I first got into the whole Paladin of Kelemvor idea, and they talked about 'smites' and 'auras,' a lot of it sounded like a bunch of bull. Mind over matter, believe and you'll win - the same way commanders sometimes try to motivate soldiers, not something 'real' and tangible. It's only recently this whole thing has really started to 'click' for me. I mean, being a Paladin of a death god already earned me a lot of intimidation factor, fear and respect, but now that I'm actually being a channel for Kelemvor's power, healing wounds and seeing divine energy pop off my blade, it's something altogether different. We prepare and we train, but when these things actually happen, it can seem unreal. For me, anyway. I'm glad I'm strong enough now to really balance the scales in this world. I just wish I'd had more power, sooner. I might have been able to avoid losing some... very special people.
"I can't do anything for those who have passed, those I've already lost. But I'm starting to think it's OK to get attached to you all. Maybe my streak of losing people I get close to is over this time, for good. So... keep on living, and getting stronger, Xianon, Aster, and Tomora too, for if we cross paths again with her." She ends the moment of somewhat aimless, but optimistic, musing, with a shrug. "See you back at the inn."
Putting knowledge to practice. I know what you mean sir elf. Would be quite weird if I dont know what you were taling about. But allow me to ask: are the things you learnt where to hit a fool or is it meaningful spiritual guidance and chakra nonsense?
I find it interesting that from our group i am the one whos most interesting capabilities did not come out of studies and practice. But what is new can still be learned. And now that i have this Aster lifts his new staff focusing on the arcane should get a bit easier.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
"It's all nonsense, until it actually works," Serwa says. She sings a song with a childlike tune, but bleak lyrics, about a little girl who wished every day for her overbearing family to disappear, and who one night has has wish answered by a sinister creature that posed as a plush toy, and caused her family to, in fact, disappear. Perform: 13
"Sometimes we get what we wanted. Then we have to hope we know what to do with that power," Serwa says, her usual monotone returned in full form.
Xianon Lathalas
Given the option of being offended or being amused, Xianon chooses the latter. "Serwa is quite right. You can assume I'm simply imagining that I'm harnessing ki - life energy - until I start running ridiculously fast, jumping across chasms, and laughing as I dodge attackers like I'm made of water." His eyes twinkle as he lists a few ways he used his ki in the Manor. "But anyway, I'm going to go use my mystic powers in that carpenter's shop. I'll see you in a bit."
Serwa waves and continues humming the song about the sinister toy come to life as she counts her share of the loot and tries to calculate “How many more gangs do we need to take down for me to afford some really grim looking full plate armor,” narrating this aloud to any nearby party members. “A few more,” she eventually concludes.
Xianon heads off towards the shop of the slain carpenter with a jaunty gait. It must be by complete coincidence that he's walking in time to Serwa's song.
When Serwa and Aster eventually make it to the Stonehill Inn, the dinner crowd has begin to trickle in. Word spreads quickly in a small town, and the adventurers are greeted with a standing ovation. Sparrow stands by the bar chatting with the barkeep, but his face lights up and he intercepts the party. "I hope you don't mind, but I told them about how you took down Glasstaff," he explains. Then he pauses. "Where's Xianon?"
He wants to do some woodworking and self-reflection. I dont think we have to expect him today.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Serwa nods, and asks Sparrow, "How is everyone reacting to the news? Small towns coping with change, there's a lot of room for unpredictability there. People used to routine sometimes don't care for that." She stares with the doll-like vacancy she takes on in most situations that aren't of great emotional intensity, and regards the assembled townsfolk curiously.
Sparrow is a bit confused at Serwa's question. He looks over his shoulder; the patrons are returning to their seats, but most are still beaming. "Umm.." he begins, turning back to Serwa, "I think they're taking it well. I'm sure the merchants will appreciate not paying us for...I mean, not paying for protection." His face reddens noticeably, but the embarrassment turns to excitement when he changes the subject. "And Sildar wants to form a constabulary!" he gushes proudly, "and I'm going to be part of it!"
"That's good. This town will need someone to keep order, to prevent it from falling back into lawlessness," Serwa says. "We have some other business we need to focus on, still a missing person to locate, and we still need to see how all of this links to The Spider. But I expect we will be around for a while. You and your new force of constables can probably reach out to us for aid, if you need it. And we'll be watching you, of course, to make sure you all take your duties seriously, and don't just operate like thugs with badges." She doesn't smile, or make any indication of joking. She offers no social "out" for the awkward moment of her intense and unblinking stare. After she thinks the message has sunk in, she adds, "Of course, I'm expecting good things from you. People who have been given a second chance at life are wise to make the most of it. This is a good opportunity for you to balance the scales. I wish you all the gods' blessings. Even Kelemvor's, if you need it."
Sparrow's eyes go wide. "Blessing from...no, no, that's okay. Sir. Ma'am. My lady," he stammered. "I'll do my best. Sildar - I mean, Sir Sildar. Hallwinter. Sir Hallwinter..." He gives up. "Anyway, he'll be staying for a long while. He said the Lord's Alliance wants to help keep order. That's why. Why he's doing it. The constabulary, I mean. Oh," he adds, interrupting himself, "Umm, he said to tell you he'll leave a message with the innkeeper before we leave with Glasstaff. The prisoner. About what he said. Or will say. Now. What he's saying. They're talking now." He takes a deep breath, tired out from talking.
Serwa does not break the deadpan stare, but after allowing the nervous man to exhaust himself, adds, "Deep breath. This town needs an auctioneer, you'll be able to moonlight. I think it's a good thing, what you're doing here. I'll check with the innkeeper for the message about the departure., later"
She departs from Sparrow, sure she's done enough to remind the lad of the responsibility he has taken on to mend fences and put them fear of Kelemvor in him. She finds and advises Aster, "We'll get back to work tomorrow. I don't drink, so I'll probably celebrate with a game of Dragon Chess with the old guy who knows how the pieces move, or maybe I'll belt out a few songs no one wants to here. Good work today. Everyone, really. We've still got a lot of work to do here, but we can rest well, knowing we've at least made things safer close to home, in this village. 'Night, Aster."
As promised, she goes off to find the old man who knew how to play Dragon Chess, or another if she cannot locate him, or sings a few macabre songs in the tavern, not overstaying her welcome onstage if it sours the mood, and then takes a Long Rest.
Give me a performance check for Serwa, please.
Perform: 19
OOC: She is not on her A-game musically
. If she can tell the crowd isn’t feeling it she will bow out after a song or two. She likely lead with songs rife with dark humor, the kind of “inside joke” that her party members are likely used to, or anyone inclined to gallows humor, but for common folk likely not typical pleasant tavern music fare.
Xianon Lathalas
After the dinner rush, but well before closing, Xianon returns to the inn. Toblen, the innkeeper, intercepts him and the two speak pleasantly for a moment before parting. Staff in hand, he approaches the table where Serwa and old Narth are clearing the pieces from their dragon chess match.
"How was the game?" Xianon asks.
"Evened up the series," the oldtimer says. "Which is a relief. I have a reputation to maintain, after all." He gives the elf a friendly wink. "But I hope she doesn't get discouraged a go back to singing." He gives Serwa a wink this time.
Xianon gives a small smile. "You should hear the one about the mermaid devouring the ship's crew. That's my favorite," he offers.
Then he hefts his staff. "Finished," he tells Serwa, "except for the carvings. But ready for service." As he described, the spearhead is gone, as are several inches of length. It's also quite slender now. "Anyway, I'm headed upstairs, as soon as Mr. Stonehill brings my dinner." He leans on his staff, and looks back at the kitchen.
After the dinner rush, but well before closing, Xianon returns to the inn. Toblen, the innkeeper, intercepts him and the two speak pleasantly for a moment before parting. Staff in hand, he approaches the table where Serwa and old Narth are clearing the pieces from their dragon chess match.
"How was the game?" Xianon asks.
"Evened up the series," the oldtimer says. "Which is a relief. I have a reputation to maintain, after all." He gives the elf a friendly wink. "But I hope she doesn't get discouraged a go back to singing." He gives Serwa a wink this time.
-- "Be careful, I could start to combine my hobbies. Good luck concentrating on taking my king then."
Xianon gives a small smile. "You should hear the one about the mermaid devouring the ship's crew. That's my favorite," he offers.
-- "Always a crowd pleaser. And a positive message, too, about the dangers of eating to excess."
Then he hefts his staff. "Finished," he tells Serwa, "except for the carvings. But ready for service." As he described, the spearhead is gone, as are several inches of length. It's also quite slender now. "Anyway, I'm headed upstairs, as soon as Mr. Stonehill brings my dinner." He leans on his staff, and looks back at the kitchen.
-----
Serwa regards the staff, it being from an entirely different "approach" to weaponry from the heavy arms she has trained in as a soldier and paladin, it is difficult for her to discern the qualities of monastic weapons, but she does offer, "It looks good even without the carvings. I'm sure you'll make it look even fancier, and then just end up getting it covered in blood and full of other people's teeth."
OOC: Serwa is going to upgrade to Splint armor, by the way, I’ll subtract the gold, I assume standard arms and armor are available for sale in this town?
If you asked Barthen, he'd direct you to Linene down at the Lionshield Coster. She'll sell it to Serwa for 10% under the price listed in the PHB, both as thanks and as her own investment in the town's good. 180gp will be the price.
Serwa goes there and buys the new splint armor upgrade accordingly, sells her chain mail (assuming 1/2 base price), and also buys a few odds and ends to round out her weapon collection, including a Shield and a Quarterstaff. "The only place to go from here is Plate, and that's expensive. Guess I'll be saving up for a while."