The horses Leosin has provided at the inn are both well-groomed and well-trained. They accept their new riders without complaint, and as they are saddled and equipped with bags of feed, two dwarves arrive outside the stable doors.
"We found th' owners of the pearls and the ring, Rog," Rogram's uncle says, extending a pouch full of gold coins.
"Three hunnerd gold pieces in there for ye. And the gems - far as we can tell, they ain't owned by no one here, so make good use of 'em," his aunt adds.
On horseback, the ride north to Elturel and the River Chionthar is a much more quaint and relaxing experience than the prior days spent within the hatchery of the abandoned cult camp to the south. The weather stays steady and warm through the duration of the 200 miles, with only the occasional morning mist providing any semblance of inclement weather. The journey takes all of six days without incident. Two nights before your arrival, a giant light can be seen in the distance like a beacon leading your way, and you arrive in the afternoon to see the light in its full glory.
The brilliant magical light hovers above the large, orderly city overlooking the river, visible from almost every corner of the region and appearing from afar as a star or distant sun. Elturel holds a strong defensive position atop a bluff overlooking the River Chionthar, but the guards at the city gates seem nonplussed by the arrival of a trio of adventurers on horseback. Ahead of you, the city seems split into two districts, one upon higher ground and the other lower near the river docks.
OOC: Added 100 gp to each character's inventory (the gems for now remaining in Rogram's). Removed 6 days of rations from each character's inventory for days spent along the road. Each character has gained the benefits of multiple long rests.
If Karib wishes to adjust his prepared spells he has a chance to do so.
When they arrive at the gates, Yevele will ask the guard "We are looking for a monk named Leosin or a paladin named Ontharr Frume. Do you happen to know where we might find either of those individuals?"
If the guards cannot direct them to either Leosin or Ontharr, Yevele will suggest that they start their search for her mentor on the higher ground.
"Never heard of this Leosin, but Frume'll likely be held up at the 'headquarters' of the Order of the Gauntlet. You're looking for a tavern called A Pair of Black Antlers," the guard replies.
"It's in the heart of the northern Dock District on Maidenbridge Street. West side of the street, just a short way south of where it turns west. If you cross the bridge, you've gone too far."
Rogram had of course heard of Elturel. Greenest being just south of Elturgard, the city of perpetual light was common knowledge and interesting enough to be mentioned at least a few times each year either directly or in passing. His uncle had guarded a caravan that passed through Elurgard once, and Dorgol came home with descriptions of the Companion, how the city stood like a sentry over the River Chionthar, and even a story of seeing the Hellriders in action. But his Uncle's descriptions did not fully prepare Rogram for the sight he would behold. His eyes were drawn toward the light in the distance for days, watching it grow larger and brighter as they traveled north and then west.
Rogram slides off of his horse as Yevele speaks with the guards. The insides of his thighs were already stinging, and he was ready to be on his own feet at least for a while.
"Never heard of this Leosin, but Frume'll likely be held up at the 'headquarters' of the Order of the Gauntlet. You're looking for a tavern called A Pair of Black Antlers," the guard replies. "It's in the heart of the northern Dock District on Maidenbridge Street. West side of the street, just a short way south of where it turns west. If you cross the bridge, you've gone too far."
"Does the Lords' Alliance have a headquarters in Elturel as well?" Rogram asks the guards. "We carry some disturbing news, and I'd like to alert them."
Following Rogram's lead, Yevele is eager to get off her horse and does so. After waiting for an answer to Rogram's inquiry about the Lord's Alliance, the monk will begin leading her horse through town toward the Dock Districk, hoping to find Leosin.
The guard shakes his head. "We're no longer a member of the Lords' Alliance. Ontharr's order is big enough to keep the peace now, we're a power in our own right."
The tavern is hard to miss, with a signboard of aptly black antlers hanging above the doorway. Inside, the wood-paneled walls are covered with decorations; old and well-used weaponry, split shields, dusty remnants of miscellaneous monsters, ancient-looking maps, and most impressively, an enormous rack of stag's antlers at least twenty feet wide.
The clientele is mostly human, with a few dwarves, half-elves, and halflings sprinkled in. The lunchtime crowd is well into their drinking for the day, led by a particularly large man and some knights laughing loudly at a booth to the side of the bar. The man could be mistaken for a dwarf were he not well over six feet tall, with a pot belly and a large, bushy red beard. At his side are a few human knights in glistening plate armor, a man in scale mail with light blue skin, hair, and eyes, and a familiar face; a lithe half-elf monk that appears much more healthy than last you saw him.
The guard shakes his head. "We're no longer a member of the Lords' Alliance. Ontharr's order is big enough to keep the peace now, we're a power in our own right."
Rogram is confused by the guard's response and mutters a meaningless response before following Yevele into the city. Again, his eyes are drawn to the Companion, but he forces himself to concentrate on the task at hand.
Walking along the road, the half-dwarf says, "I wish I could get word to the Lords' Alliance about the cult and their movements. We need to warn as many as we can. Perhaps this Ontharr Frume can help us," he says, sounding less sure. He looks at Karib and Yevele, clearly searching their faces for some kind of reassurance.
Entering the tavern, Rogram can't help but be heartened by the atmosphere. It is reminiscent of happier days in Greenest with his father. Spotting Leosin, the half-dwarf pauses and looks at Yevele to give her a chance to greet her friend first.
Karib has only occasionally been to Eltruel as part of a delegation for his church. His knowledge of the town and inns is limited so he is happy to follow behind his companions. He nods politely to the guards then, as they walk, he tries to remember what he can of the city and the location of his own temple. He'd never really taken much of an interest before.
"I'll follow your lead here...I don't really know the city but I'd like to visit the temple some time, to pay my respects."
At the inn he wait a moment for his eyes to adjust then waits to see what the others do.
(( @DM: Does Karib know of harper or temple contacts in the city? ))
OOC: The two main temples that Karib would likely know of in Elturel would be Helm's Shieldhall and the High Harvest Home, which is dedicated to Chauntea. There are other smaller temples around the city but Karib is not aware of a temple dedicated strictly to Gond in this city.
Sitting near to Ontharr and Leosin is a young man with a wisp of curious, pale hair on his head, a survivor of premature balding. His mouth has a short, nearly groomed mustache. He looks a bit out of place in the rowdy atmosphere, but looks towards Ontharr enough that he appears familiar.
He keeps shifting in his seat, and pulling at the collar and hem of a set of scale mail across his chest. He clutches at a pack next to him like he's afraid to lose it or forget it.
He wears an amulet, a sun, laying openly on his chest, identifying him as an initiate of Amaunator.
Yevele as glad the tavern was easy to find. The biggest settlement she'd ever been in before Eltural as Greenest. And, the number of people in Eltural as overwhelming for the monk. Setting foot in the tavern, it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Hearing the noise from the table, her eyes quickly turned in the direction of the rowdy table. Yevele was slightly surprised to see Leosin in this setting. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before. The red-head quietly walked over to the booth, and stood there waiting to catch the eye of someone, preferably Leosin.
Rogram follows Yevele, staying in her wake and eyeing the large, bearded man and his entourage. The merriment around him attempts to capture his attention, but the half-dwarf keeps his eyes forward. When the blue-skinned one leans in to Leosin and gestures at Yevele, Rogram thinks he reads the word "Greenest" on his lips, so he turns his attention to the smaller stranger.
Samir can't help but notice the one walking closely behind the woman he just pointed out to the monk. Shorter than the average human, but taller than a dwarf, the ruddy-skinned male is clearly well built — visible despite his scale mail. He has shortish black hair that exposes his ears, which are not round, but also not pointed, and a black beard that starts high on his cheeks and covers his throat. A longsword scabbard hangs on his right hip. But his most striking feature are his brilliant green eyes — and they are trained on Samir.
Leosin nearly spills his water, setting the glass down in a hurry the moment he spots the party. He nimbly stands from the booth and saunters the few feet over to the party to clasp his hands with Yevele's, then extend a hand to Rogram and Karib. "Leosin Erlanthar," he introduces himself with a slight bow to Karib before addressing the party. "I am glad to see you have made it to Elturel - unharmed, I hope, I notice your feline friend is not with you. I had started to worry, I had expected you would arrive yesterday or the day before--"
"Well, I'll be, is that Karib Fallengust Jr.?" The monk is interrupted by the rattling of glasses as Ontharr works his way out from the booth as well. Standing tall, he adjusts his armor and guffaws. He turns back to the knights at the table with him but speaks loud enough for the party to hear, "One of the best smiths I've ever worked with, but a bit stiff. I've tried to get this man to agree to an arm-wrestling match for years."
Yevele nods at Leosin and replies "We had a prisoner that Karib wanted to question before we left. And, Smoke is fine. He received notice that he was needed elsewhere and couldn't continue with us any longer."
After hearing Ontharr speak about Karib's blacksmithing abilities, the monk starts to open her mouth about Rogram's blacksmithing skills, but stops herself when she realizes she might insult Karib by praising the dwarf.
Rogram's eyes finally leave Samir as Leosin greets the party. The swordsman's features soften, and he relaxes a bit as the monk speaks. When the large, bearded man stands and starts talking to and about Karib, Rogram can't help but look at the cleric with suspicion. "You know this man?" the half-dwarf asks Karib quietly. He glances back at Samir and gestures toward him with his chin. "Do you know him as well?"
"Well, I'll be, is that Karib Fallengust Jr.?" The monk is interrupted by the rattling of glasses as Ontharr works his way out from the booth as well. Standing tall, he adjusts his armor and guffaws. He turns back to the knights at the table with him but speaks loud enough for the party to hear, "One of the best smiths I've ever worked with, but a bit stiff. I've tried to get this man to agree to an arm-wrestling match for years."
Karib laughs out loud and takes the man's hand in greeting. "Well, if you ever learn to stop adding the 'Junior' to my name, you might get your wish!" His brow furrows, and after a moment he shrugs. "No promises, mind."
Karib feels great relief being back in a bigger city. He loves the wilds, but the journey was filled with dreams of the caves and a fear that friends of Mondath might ambush them. The light, the fire, the hubbub of voice, and the unexpected friends finally put an end to those fears.
Catching Yevele's glance he is turning to Rogram as he asks his question. He nods. "Aye, lad. And he's not as big a fool as he looks." He smiles at Onathar, "You are, as always, a welcome sight."
"We hurried here and left a prisoner that needs to be collected back in Greenest."
"Ha ha!" Ontharr bellows at Karib's response. "Maybe your friend here won't mind. He's got the build for a good match," he says toward Rogram.
Ontharr waves off the mention of the prisoner in Greenest. "Time enough for all that later. Glenmile, pull another booth over here, make some room for our new arrivals!" he calls over to one of his knights.
A couple knights depart as another table is moved alongside the one where Ontharr, Leosin, and Samir had been sitting. "Now about that arm-wrestling match," Ontharr says, resting his elbow on the table and grinning mischievously at Rogram.
Mostly ignoring the invitation to arm wrestle, Rogram repeats his head jerk toward Samir. "Who's your friend?" he asks no one in particular. There's just something about the blue-skinned fellow that has caught the half-dwarf's attention.
"Samir Windriver. I am sort of... Um... Shadowing Ontharr, if you can call it that. Learning the ins and outs of what he does, as I grow in the church."
Samir extends a hand to shake.
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Paladin - warforged - orange
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The horses Leosin has provided at the inn are both well-groomed and well-trained. They accept their new riders without complaint, and as they are saddled and equipped with bags of feed, two dwarves arrive outside the stable doors.
"We found th' owners of the pearls and the ring, Rog," Rogram's uncle says, extending a pouch full of gold coins.
"Three hunnerd gold pieces in there for ye. And the gems - far as we can tell, they ain't owned by no one here, so make good use of 'em," his aunt adds.
On horseback, the ride north to Elturel and the River Chionthar is a much more quaint and relaxing experience than the prior days spent within the hatchery of the abandoned cult camp to the south. The weather stays steady and warm through the duration of the 200 miles, with only the occasional morning mist providing any semblance of inclement weather. The journey takes all of six days without incident. Two nights before your arrival, a giant light can be seen in the distance like a beacon leading your way, and you arrive in the afternoon to see the light in its full glory.
The brilliant magical light hovers above the large, orderly city overlooking the river, visible from almost every corner of the region and appearing from afar as a star or distant sun. Elturel holds a strong defensive position atop a bluff overlooking the River Chionthar, but the guards at the city gates seem nonplussed by the arrival of a trio of adventurers on horseback. Ahead of you, the city seems split into two districts, one upon higher ground and the other lower near the river docks.
OOC: Added 100 gp to each character's inventory (the gems for now remaining in Rogram's). Removed 6 days of rations from each character's inventory for days spent along the road. Each character has gained the benefits of multiple long rests.
If Karib wishes to adjust his prepared spells he has a chance to do so.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
When they arrive at the gates, Yevele will ask the guard "We are looking for a monk named Leosin or a paladin named Ontharr Frume. Do you happen to know where we might find either of those individuals?"
If the guards cannot direct them to either Leosin or Ontharr, Yevele will suggest that they start their search for her mentor on the higher ground.
"Never heard of this Leosin, but Frume'll likely be held up at the 'headquarters' of the Order of the Gauntlet. You're looking for a tavern called A Pair of Black Antlers," the guard replies.
"It's in the heart of the northern Dock District on Maidenbridge Street. West side of the street, just a short way south of where it turns west. If you cross the bridge, you've gone too far."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram had of course heard of Elturel. Greenest being just south of Elturgard, the city of perpetual light was common knowledge and interesting enough to be mentioned at least a few times each year either directly or in passing. His uncle had guarded a caravan that passed through Elurgard once, and Dorgol came home with descriptions of the Companion, how the city stood like a sentry over the River Chionthar, and even a story of seeing the Hellriders in action. But his Uncle's descriptions did not fully prepare Rogram for the sight he would behold. His eyes were drawn toward the light in the distance for days, watching it grow larger and brighter as they traveled north and then west.
Rogram slides off of his horse as Yevele speaks with the guards. The insides of his thighs were already stinging, and he was ready to be on his own feet at least for a while.
"Never heard of this Leosin, but Frume'll likely be held up at the 'headquarters' of the Order of the Gauntlet. You're looking for a tavern called A Pair of Black Antlers," the guard replies. "It's in the heart of the northern Dock District on Maidenbridge Street. West side of the street, just a short way south of where it turns west. If you cross the bridge, you've gone too far."
"Does the Lords' Alliance have a headquarters in Elturel as well?" Rogram asks the guards. "We carry some disturbing news, and I'd like to alert them."
Following Rogram's lead, Yevele is eager to get off her horse and does so. After waiting for an answer to Rogram's inquiry about the Lord's Alliance, the monk will begin leading her horse through town toward the Dock Districk, hoping to find Leosin.
The guard shakes his head. "We're no longer a member of the Lords' Alliance. Ontharr's order is big enough to keep the peace now, we're a power in our own right."
The tavern is hard to miss, with a signboard of aptly black antlers hanging above the doorway. Inside, the wood-paneled walls are covered with decorations; old and well-used weaponry, split shields, dusty remnants of miscellaneous monsters, ancient-looking maps, and most impressively, an enormous rack of stag's antlers at least twenty feet wide.
The clientele is mostly human, with a few dwarves, half-elves, and halflings sprinkled in. The lunchtime crowd is well into their drinking for the day, led by a particularly large man and some knights laughing loudly at a booth to the side of the bar. The man could be mistaken for a dwarf were he not well over six feet tall, with a pot belly and a large, bushy red beard. At his side are a few human knights in glistening plate armor, a man in scale mail with light blue skin, hair, and eyes, and a familiar face; a lithe half-elf monk that appears much more healthy than last you saw him.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
The guard shakes his head. "We're no longer a member of the Lords' Alliance. Ontharr's order is big enough to keep the peace now, we're a power in our own right."
Rogram is confused by the guard's response and mutters a meaningless response before following Yevele into the city. Again, his eyes are drawn to the Companion, but he forces himself to concentrate on the task at hand.
Walking along the road, the half-dwarf says, "I wish I could get word to the Lords' Alliance about the cult and their movements. We need to warn as many as we can. Perhaps this Ontharr Frume can help us," he says, sounding less sure. He looks at Karib and Yevele, clearly searching their faces for some kind of reassurance.
Entering the tavern, Rogram can't help but be heartened by the atmosphere. It is reminiscent of happier days in Greenest with his father. Spotting Leosin, the half-dwarf pauses and looks at Yevele to give her a chance to greet her friend first.
Karib has only occasionally been to Eltruel as part of a delegation for his church. His knowledge of the town and inns is limited so he is happy to follow behind his companions. He nods politely to the guards then, as they walk, he tries to remember what he can of the city and the location of his own temple. He'd never really taken much of an interest before.
"I'll follow your lead here...I don't really know the city but I'd like to visit the temple some time, to pay my respects."
At the inn he wait a moment for his eyes to adjust then waits to see what the others do.
(( @DM: Does Karib know of harper or temple contacts in the city? ))
OOC: The two main temples that Karib would likely know of in Elturel would be Helm's Shieldhall and the High Harvest Home, which is dedicated to Chauntea. There are other smaller temples around the city but Karib is not aware of a temple dedicated strictly to Gond in this city.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Sitting near to Ontharr and Leosin is a young man with a wisp of curious, pale hair on his head, a survivor of premature balding. His mouth has a short, nearly groomed mustache. He looks a bit out of place in the rowdy atmosphere, but looks towards Ontharr enough that he appears familiar.
He keeps shifting in his seat, and pulling at the collar and hem of a set of scale mail across his chest. He clutches at a pack next to him like he's afraid to lose it or forget it.
He wears an amulet, a sun, laying openly on his chest, identifying him as an initiate of Amaunator.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Yevele as glad the tavern was easy to find. The biggest settlement she'd ever been in before Eltural as Greenest. And, the number of people in Eltural as overwhelming for the monk. Setting foot in the tavern, it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Hearing the noise from the table, her eyes quickly turned in the direction of the rowdy table. Yevele was slightly surprised to see Leosin in this setting. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before. The red-head quietly walked over to the booth, and stood there waiting to catch the eye of someone, preferably Leosin.
As Yevele enters and approaches, the balding initiate tugs on Leosin's sleeve, gesturing.
"I think that's one of them, isn't it? The people you described from Greenest."
Paladin - warforged - orange
Rogram follows Yevele, staying in her wake and eyeing the large, bearded man and his entourage. The merriment around him attempts to capture his attention, but the half-dwarf keeps his eyes forward. When the blue-skinned one leans in to Leosin and gestures at Yevele, Rogram thinks he reads the word "Greenest" on his lips, so he turns his attention to the smaller stranger.
Samir can't help but notice the one walking closely behind the woman he just pointed out to the monk. Shorter than the average human, but taller than a dwarf, the ruddy-skinned male is clearly well built — visible despite his scale mail. He has shortish black hair that exposes his ears, which are not round, but also not pointed, and a black beard that starts high on his cheeks and covers his throat. A longsword scabbard hangs on his right hip. But his most striking feature are his brilliant green eyes — and they are trained on Samir.
Leosin nearly spills his water, setting the glass down in a hurry the moment he spots the party. He nimbly stands from the booth and saunters the few feet over to the party to clasp his hands with Yevele's, then extend a hand to Rogram and Karib. "Leosin Erlanthar," he introduces himself with a slight bow to Karib before addressing the party. "I am glad to see you have made it to Elturel - unharmed, I hope, I notice your feline friend is not with you. I had started to worry, I had expected you would arrive yesterday or the day before--"
"Well, I'll be, is that Karib Fallengust Jr.?" The monk is interrupted by the rattling of glasses as Ontharr works his way out from the booth as well. Standing tall, he adjusts his armor and guffaws. He turns back to the knights at the table with him but speaks loud enough for the party to hear, "One of the best smiths I've ever worked with, but a bit stiff. I've tried to get this man to agree to an arm-wrestling match for years."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Yevele nods at Leosin and replies "We had a prisoner that Karib wanted to question before we left. And, Smoke is fine. He received notice that he was needed elsewhere and couldn't continue with us any longer."
After hearing Ontharr speak about Karib's blacksmithing abilities, the monk starts to open her mouth about Rogram's blacksmithing skills, but stops herself when she realizes she might insult Karib by praising the dwarf.
Rogram's eyes finally leave Samir as Leosin greets the party. The swordsman's features soften, and he relaxes a bit as the monk speaks. When the large, bearded man stands and starts talking to and about Karib, Rogram can't help but look at the cleric with suspicion. "You know this man?" the half-dwarf asks Karib quietly. He glances back at Samir and gestures toward him with his chin. "Do you know him as well?"
Karib laughs out loud and takes the man's hand in greeting. "Well, if you ever learn to stop adding the 'Junior' to my name, you might get your wish!" His brow furrows, and after a moment he shrugs. "No promises, mind."
Karib feels great relief being back in a bigger city. He loves the wilds, but the journey was filled with dreams of the caves and a fear that friends of Mondath might ambush them. The light, the fire, the hubbub of voice, and the unexpected friends finally put an end to those fears.
Catching Yevele's glance he is turning to Rogram as he asks his question. He nods. "Aye, lad. And he's not as big a fool as he looks." He smiles at Onathar, "You are, as always, a welcome sight."
"We hurried here and left a prisoner that needs to be collected back in Greenest."
"Ha ha!" Ontharr bellows at Karib's response. "Maybe your friend here won't mind. He's got the build for a good match," he says toward Rogram.
Ontharr waves off the mention of the prisoner in Greenest. "Time enough for all that later. Glenmile, pull another booth over here, make some room for our new arrivals!" he calls over to one of his knights.
A couple knights depart as another table is moved alongside the one where Ontharr, Leosin, and Samir had been sitting. "Now about that arm-wrestling match," Ontharr says, resting his elbow on the table and grinning mischievously at Rogram.
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Mostly ignoring the invitation to arm wrestle, Rogram repeats his head jerk toward Samir. "Who's your friend?" he asks no one in particular. There's just something about the blue-skinned fellow that has caught the half-dwarf's attention.
"Samir Windriver. I am sort of... Um... Shadowing Ontharr, if you can call it that. Learning the ins and outs of what he does, as I grow in the church."
Samir extends a hand to shake.
Paladin - warforged - orange