As a child in the wee hours of the night when my mom was crying, I would hide under the bathtub so my father wouldn't find me. He always did though. It didn't matter I was dirty, malnourished, and weak - he always found me. Like a nightmare born from the depth of the abyss he would drunkenly come for me and instead of carrying me lovingly on his big broad shoulders he would take a wooden plank to my bones and broke me until his anger subsided.
Years later, when I graduated from the Academy, I found him - homeless and drunk - in a dank alleyway and I dragged him out into the street for everyone to see what I was about to do to him. Aerik made sure no one interfered, but in truth, people who saw my uniform knew not to. That day I showed my father what it was like to be abused, and beat him with my bare hands to an inch of his life.
But I let him live.
Then, when he had healed, I found him again, dragged him out into the street, and beat him again until my knuckles were raw, and bloodied - like rage, frustration and hurt could be physically manifested into terrible, violent activity.
But I let him live. Finally, on the third time, I found him again, dragged him out into the street, and after I had completely physically exhausted myself pounding him into a fleshy pulp, I drew my newly awarded military blades out and carved out his heart from his chest.
Heishe narrows her eyes. "You know...I'm going to elect to preserve my limbs and just leave that alone," she decides, moving back into the room with the rest of the group. "Time to head out?"
You are easily able to slip back through the sewers and out of the lair. As you return, stinking, to the Yawning Portal, you see Volo and Renear waiting anxiously for news of their friend.
Upon seeing you, Volo jumps up and embraces Floon. "Good lord, you look terrible. I am so glad my new friends were able to find you." He then turns to the party, “I confess that I have but few coins to spare. But never let it be said that Volo reneges on a promise. Allow me to present something much more valuable.” He holds out a scroll tube. “The deed to a remarkable property here in Waterdeep! We’ll need a magistrate to witness the transfer of ownership. I’ll arrange a meeting with one after you’ve inspected the estate and deemed it satisfactory.” He turns and sees Lu-Lu. "Oh no, what happened to our earthy lady? No worries, I know a couple of clerics that owe me a favor. Follow me!"
He leads the party to a nearby church of Bahamut. There a dwarven cleric looks rather surprised to see Volo. He walks up and says, "So good to see you Ava. A few of my new friends ran afoul of an intellect devourer. This lady with the gems was attacked by it. I was hoping you might, in honor of our old friendship, heal her."
Ava looks very annoyed at Volo, but as she looks over Lu-Lu, her expression softens. Whispering a prayer to Bahamut, she restores Lu-Lu back to intelligent thought. She then turns to Volo, "Well then, I think we are even now."
The tube contains a deed to Trollskull Manor, a historic building in the North Ward that the characters can claim as a home base.
Four stories tall and boasting balconies, a turret, and five chimneys, the abandoned building is one of the grandest in Trollskull Alley. The tavern’s taproom is filled with broken furniture, tarnished silverware, casks of wine that have turned to vinegar, and worthless detritus. The tavern’s other rooms are all empty, except for cobwebs, dust, and harmless rats.
Volo offers to show you around the city. Now that you have the friendship of Volo and Renear, you can call upon them. Volo knows the best places to eat and find merriment.Although Renaer is estranged from his rich and powerful father, he still has friends in high places, including Harpers who can come to the characters’ rescue if they need it. If the characters are looking for an audience with influential persons in Waterdeep, Renaer can set up meetings with Mirt, Remallia Haventree, or just about any other Waterdavian noble, if he thinks the characters will comport themselves well.
Drusilla looks around Trollskull Manor. "This house has declined over the years. We shall have to work on restoring it to a livable condition. Perhaps Renear and Volo might be able to help us in this endeavor."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Heishe looks around the house with a satisfied expression. It might take some work, but it would turn into something quite nice. She nods in agreemend with Drusilla. "Indeed. The little things can be done with magic, but some of this will require skilled work."
Lu-lu awakens from her reverie, thanks to the priest of Bahamut, stretches and yawns, "Wow! I cant remember the last time I slept THAT well! Woo!"
Looking around the new manor house, Lu-lu races around with wonder and excitement but after a little while, it's plain to see the sadness on her face, her opals lose their luster and she shuffles around, eyes to the floor in thought.
She perks up just a little as Heishe and Drusilla talk about fixing the place up, she mumbles very quietly, "If you need heavy things moved, or someone to clean out the cobwebs and dust, I can help you fix up YOUR new place. I have to live in the temple with the other initiates at the Spires of the Morning...." She shuffles over and sits, rather pitifully on a dusty chair, resting her head on a table that sits at a 45 degree angle due to it's missing a leg. She sighs dejectedly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Vincent gets a good look at the manor, seemingly impressed at its sheer size and potential. “Never been the one to settle though...”He would say to himself. Might be a good place to come back to every now and again though... Or maybe this is a sign I should retire one of these days...
The merc would notice Lulu’s sudden change in demeanor however, cocking a brow in question. “Still don’t mean you can’t have a room here, lass. This place is yours just as much as it is ours.” He gives the Paladin a pat on the shoulder. “Besides, where do ya go when you’re not an initiate anymore? Serious question. I don’t know shit about paladins.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
She went upstairs and slowly surveyed the floors, making sure there were no squatters or whatnot hanging around. Confident in her check, she went back downstairs and rejoined the others. She took a look at the taproom.
"Hoo boy. This place needs some love."
She took off her jacket, her sword belt, and rolled up her sleeves. She began cleaning.
Lu-lu's face perks up at Vincent's question, "Well.... it depends on how I do. See, the Order of Aster is a little different than your typical paladin order, we don't usually live in the temple forever, some go off as military units and commanders of noble causes and kingdoms, becoming Knights Combatant, some are tasked with guarding specific shrines and holy places, becoming Knights Sentinel and SOME are sent to explore the world, seeking out and destroying undeath and the enemies of light, becoming Knights Errant!" As she is talking, her pace and affect get more and more bubbly and quick, "Sooo, because we've already defeated evil RIGHT HERE in Waterdeep, it's possible that they might let me become a Knight Errant, in which case...." she is barely containing her enthusiasm as she is bouncing in her seat, "I could go wherever I wished, AS LONG AS, I was upholding the laws and oaths of Lathander, the Morninglord!" She practically leaps up, wrapping her arms around Vincent's neck very tightly, considering her mighty strength. "Thank you Vincent, for cheering me up. I will focus on my studies so that they will have no choice but to let me become a Knight Errant." Vincent feels a couple tears drip onto his neck before Lu-lu breaks away and beams at him, "Of course, the Spires of the Morning are close by in the Castle Ward anyways, so I'll be visiting CONSTANTLY in the meantime. Lu-lu rushes over to spend the rest of the day helping Heishe, Cora, and the gang with cleaning and moving materials.
As Heishe cleans, you hear a plate smash behind you. You turn around and see, in the dust on the bar, the words last call written. The more time you spend in the manor, the more strange occurrences happen, smashing plates, breaking beer barrels, and so forth happen with surprising regularity, in a not so natural way. “Closing time!” and “Last call!” are written in the dust around the house.
One day, when Volo is visiting, he mentions that the house was supposed to be haunted by the previous owner, a half-elf barkeep named Lif. It is part of the reason he bought the manor. He wanted to study it for his next book.
You are able to, despite the poltergeist's best efforts, clean the place up fairly well. After a few days of cleaning, a representative from the city's guild oversight committee pays you a visit. "Well, as glad as I am to have such a wonderful place being restored. I must request you do so with the guilds of the city. They can help you. Repairs to the walls and the roof require the approval and oversight of the Carpenters’, Roofers’, and Plaisterers’ Guild. The Cellarers’ and Plumbers’ Guild is best equipped to handle the refurbishing of the basement and plumbing. Clean bedsheets are provided by the Launderers’ Guild. The streets around the establishment are kept up by the Dungsweepers’ Guild and the Loyal Order of Street Laborers. If you need help finding any of them or if any of you want to join a guild, come find me at the city hall. My name is Keith and I am always happy to help adventurers."
It will cost 1,000 GP to fully repair the manor over 12 days. At least 100 GP for Guild membership for repairs and street dues, more if you want to turn the place into a tavern or some other business.
You have a bunch of downtime, so let me know what you want to be doing. There are some events that will find each of you, those will be sent in pms, but you have free reign to explore Waterdeep, make friends, gain renown, and do fun stuff.
Cora wasn't a big fan of being gently coerced into using the city's Guilds for the renovations, but eh, she let it go for the good of the group. She made a joke as Heishe cast magic to clean. "That's cheating, you know."she teased, and after a moment, held up her hands, which were dirty. "Nothing like good ole elbow grease."
Then she remembered something.
"By the way, did anyone get any sort of communication from any of the factions here?"she asked.
Drusilla speaks up toward the ghost, wherever it is. "Undeath is an affront to the laws of the universe and if you continue to cause a disturbance in this house, I will turn you away using the power of Erathis." Then she responds to Cora's question."As a matter of fact, I was recently contacted by the leader of Force Grey, who said that she wished to see us.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Heishe raises an eyebrow. "Not cheating, just doing it better," she tells Cora with a wink before glancing at Drusilla. "Most fascinating. I was offered a position in the Lord's Alliance."
"Some of us don't have magic to do our work." Cora said as she gave Heishe a look. This one probably never uses her hands for anything I bet, Hells forbid.
"Mm.."Cora mumbled, disinterested, to Drusilla. She knew nothing about Force Grey, but at the moment, didn't really care.
Lu-lu comes into the Trollskull manor, hanging her rain-drenched cloak on the newly mounted coat hanger, "I'm Hooome" she calls out, wringing her hair out by the front door before picking up a broom to sweep the floor. Lu-lu's gear has changed a bit from their first adventure, her tabard and chainmail are the same, but she now has a metal heater shield, with a brand new longsword, the symbol of Lathander etched in to the pommel, at her side.
Sitting at the bar, Lu-lu pulls an apple out of the satchel at her side and chomps down into it, "Whatcha talkin' bout, peeps? We going on an adventure this week?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
As a child in the wee hours of the night when my mom was crying, I would hide under the bathtub so my father wouldn't find me. He always did though. It didn't matter I was dirty, malnourished, and weak - he always found me. Like a nightmare born from the depth of the abyss he would drunkenly come for me and instead of carrying me lovingly on his big broad shoulders he would take a wooden plank to my bones and broke me until his anger subsided.
Years later, when I graduated from the Academy, I found him - homeless and drunk - in a dank alleyway and I dragged him out into the street for everyone to see what I was about to do to him. Aerik made sure no one interfered, but in truth, people who saw my uniform knew not to. That day I showed my father what it was like to be abused, and beat him with my bare hands to an inch of his life.
But I let him live.
Then, when he had healed, I found him again, dragged him out into the street, and beat him again until my knuckles were raw, and bloodied - like rage, frustration and hurt could be physically manifested into terrible, violent activity.
But I let him live.
Finally, on the third time, I found him again, dragged him out into the street, and after I had completely physically exhausted myself pounding him into a fleshy pulp, I drew my newly awarded military blades out and carved out his heart from his chest.
He was the first one I murdered with my swords.
Heishe narrows her eyes. "You know...I'm going to elect to preserve my limbs and just leave that alone," she decides, moving back into the room with the rest of the group. "Time to head out?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Good idea." Cora agrees. "Lets get out of here and tend to Lu-lu."
You are easily able to slip back through the sewers and out of the lair. As you return, stinking, to the Yawning Portal, you see Volo and Renear waiting anxiously for news of their friend.
Upon seeing you, Volo jumps up and embraces Floon. "Good lord, you look terrible. I am so glad my new friends were able to find you." He then turns to the party, “I confess that I have but few coins to spare. But never let it be said that Volo reneges on a promise. Allow me to present something much more valuable.” He holds out a scroll tube. “The deed to a remarkable property here in Waterdeep! We’ll need a magistrate to witness the transfer of ownership. I’ll arrange a meeting with one after you’ve inspected the estate and deemed it satisfactory.” He turns and sees Lu-Lu. "Oh no, what happened to our earthy lady? No worries, I know a couple of clerics that owe me a favor. Follow me!"
He leads the party to a nearby church of Bahamut. There a dwarven cleric looks rather surprised to see Volo. He walks up and says, "So good to see you Ava. A few of my new friends ran afoul of an intellect devourer. This lady with the gems was attacked by it. I was hoping you might, in honor of our old friendship, heal her."
Ava looks very annoyed at Volo, but as she looks over Lu-Lu, her expression softens. Whispering a prayer to Bahamut, she restores Lu-Lu back to intelligent thought. She then turns to Volo, "Well then, I think we are even now."
The tube contains a deed to Trollskull Manor, a historic building in the North Ward that the characters can claim as a home base.
Four stories tall and boasting balconies, a turret, and five chimneys, the abandoned building is one of the grandest in Trollskull Alley. The tavern’s taproom is filled with broken furniture, tarnished silverware, casks of wine that have turned to vinegar, and worthless detritus. The tavern’s other rooms are all empty, except for cobwebs, dust, and harmless rats.
Volo offers to show you around the city. Now that you have the friendship of Volo and Renear, you can call upon them. Volo knows the best places to eat and find merriment.Although Renaer is estranged from his rich and powerful father, he still has friends in high places, including Harpers who can come to the characters’ rescue if they need it. If the characters are looking for an audience with influential persons in Waterdeep, Renaer can set up meetings with Mirt, Remallia Haventree, or just about any other Waterdavian noble, if he thinks the characters will comport themselves well.
You all level up to level 2.
Drusilla looks around Trollskull Manor. "This house has declined over the years. We shall have to work on restoring it to a livable condition. Perhaps Renear and Volo might be able to help us in this endeavor."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Heishe looks around the house with a satisfied expression. It might take some work, but it would turn into something quite nice. She nods in agreemend with Drusilla. "Indeed. The little things can be done with magic, but some of this will require skilled work."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Lu-lu awakens from her reverie, thanks to the priest of Bahamut, stretches and yawns, "Wow! I cant remember the last time I slept THAT well! Woo!"
Looking around the new manor house, Lu-lu races around with wonder and excitement but after a little while, it's plain to see the sadness on her face, her opals lose their luster and she shuffles around, eyes to the floor in thought.
She perks up just a little as Heishe and Drusilla talk about fixing the place up, she mumbles very quietly, "If you need heavy things moved, or someone to clean out the cobwebs and dust, I can help you fix up YOUR new place. I have to live in the temple with the other initiates at the Spires of the Morning...." She shuffles over and sits, rather pitifully on a dusty chair, resting her head on a table that sits at a 45 degree angle due to it's missing a leg. She sighs dejectedly.
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Vincent gets a good look at the manor, seemingly impressed at its sheer size and potential. “Never been the one to settle though...” He would say to himself. Might be a good place to come back to every now and again though... Or maybe this is a sign I should retire one of these days...
The merc would notice Lulu’s sudden change in demeanor however, cocking a brow in question. “Still don’t mean you can’t have a room here, lass. This place is yours just as much as it is ours.” He gives the Paladin a pat on the shoulder. “Besides, where do ya go when you’re not an initiate anymore?
Serious question. I don’t know shit about paladins.”Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Cora looked around. Wow..this place is a mess.
She went upstairs and slowly surveyed the floors, making sure there were no squatters or whatnot hanging around. Confident in her check, she went back downstairs and rejoined the others. She took a look at the taproom.
"Hoo boy. This place needs some love."
She took off her jacket, her sword belt, and rolled up her sleeves. She began cleaning.
Heishe smiles and gets to work using prestidigitation to clean everything off, starting in the main taproom and working her way out and up.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Lu-lu's face perks up at Vincent's question, "Well.... it depends on how I do. See, the Order of Aster is a little different than your typical paladin order, we don't usually live in the temple forever, some go off as military units and commanders of noble causes and kingdoms, becoming Knights Combatant, some are tasked with guarding specific shrines and holy places, becoming Knights Sentinel and SOME are sent to explore the world, seeking out and destroying undeath and the enemies of light, becoming Knights Errant!" As she is talking, her pace and affect get more and more bubbly and quick, "Sooo, because we've already defeated evil RIGHT HERE in Waterdeep, it's possible that they might let me become a Knight Errant, in which case...." she is barely containing her enthusiasm as she is bouncing in her seat, "I could go wherever I wished, AS LONG AS, I was upholding the laws and oaths of Lathander, the Morninglord!" She practically leaps up, wrapping her arms around Vincent's neck very tightly, considering her mighty strength. "Thank you Vincent, for cheering me up. I will focus on my studies so that they will have no choice but to let me become a Knight Errant." Vincent feels a couple tears drip onto his neck before Lu-lu breaks away and beams at him, "Of course, the Spires of the Morning are close by in the Castle Ward anyways, so I'll be visiting CONSTANTLY in the meantime. Lu-lu rushes over to spend the rest of the day helping Heishe, Cora, and the gang with cleaning and moving materials.
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
As Heishe cleans, you hear a plate smash behind you. You turn around and see, in the dust on the bar, the words last call written. The more time you spend in the manor, the more strange occurrences happen, smashing plates, breaking beer barrels, and so forth happen with surprising regularity, in a not so natural way. “Closing time!” and “Last call!” are written in the dust around the house.
One day, when Volo is visiting, he mentions that the house was supposed to be haunted by the previous owner, a half-elf barkeep named Lif. It is part of the reason he bought the manor. He wanted to study it for his next book.
You are able to, despite the poltergeist's best efforts, clean the place up fairly well. After a few days of cleaning, a representative from the city's guild oversight committee pays you a visit. "Well, as glad as I am to have such a wonderful place being restored. I must request you do so with the guilds of the city. They can help you. Repairs to the walls and the roof require the approval and oversight of the Carpenters’, Roofers’, and Plaisterers’ Guild. The Cellarers’ and Plumbers’ Guild is best equipped to handle the refurbishing of the basement and plumbing. Clean bedsheets are provided by the Launderers’ Guild. The streets around the establishment are kept up by the Dungsweepers’ Guild and the Loyal Order of Street Laborers. If you need help finding any of them or if any of you want to join a guild, come find me at the city hall. My name is Keith and I am always happy to help adventurers."
It will cost 1,000 GP to fully repair the manor over 12 days. At least 100 GP for Guild membership for repairs and street dues, more if you want to turn the place into a tavern or some other business.
You have a bunch of downtime, so let me know what you want to be doing. There are some events that will find each of you, those will be sent in pms, but you have free reign to explore Waterdeep, make friends, gain renown, and do fun stuff.
Cora wasn't a big fan of being gently coerced into using the city's Guilds for the renovations, but eh, she let it go for the good of the group. She made a joke as Heishe cast magic to clean. "That's cheating, you know." she teased, and after a moment, held up her hands, which were dirty. "Nothing like good ole elbow grease."
Then she remembered something.
"By the way, did anyone get any sort of communication from any of the factions here?" she asked.
Drusilla speaks up toward the ghost, wherever it is. "Undeath is an affront to the laws of the universe and if you continue to cause a disturbance in this house, I will turn you away using the power of Erathis." Then she responds to Cora's question."As a matter of fact, I was recently contacted by the leader of Force Grey, who said that she wished to see us.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
The ghost writes down in the dust, "Anyone want another round? Last call...."
"What the hell is this.." Cora says, noticing the writing on the dust. "Undead? Oh right. The last owner."
She paid no mind and kept cleaning. "What do you mean 'all of us?'" she asked Drusilla. "The Zhents want to talk to me."
"As in you, me, Lulu, Vincent, and Heishe. The woman said that she wanted to see me and my companions."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Heishe raises an eyebrow. "Not cheating, just doing it better," she tells Cora with a wink before glancing at Drusilla. "Most fascinating. I was offered a position in the Lord's Alliance."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Some of us don't have magic to do our work." Cora said as she gave Heishe a look. This one probably never uses her hands for anything I bet, Hells forbid.
"Mm.." Cora mumbled, disinterested, to Drusilla. She knew nothing about Force Grey, but at the moment, didn't really care.
She continued to clean.
Lu-lu comes into the Trollskull manor, hanging her rain-drenched cloak on the newly mounted coat hanger, "I'm Hooome" she calls out, wringing her hair out by the front door before picking up a broom to sweep the floor.
Lu-lu's gear has changed a bit from their first adventure, her tabard and chainmail are the same, but she now has a metal heater shield, with a brand new longsword, the symbol of Lathander etched in to the pommel, at her side.
Sitting at the bar, Lu-lu pulls an apple out of the satchel at her side and chomps down into it, "Whatcha talkin' bout, peeps? We going on an adventure this week?"
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer