"The healing magic of the Order of the Silent Shroud is a gift from Kelemvor himself. And Kelemvor I am not," Yovir responds to Ola. "I could no more teach my acolytes to use healing magic than you could, though Cassyt does happen to be gifted with the ability to use minor healing spells. Perhaps she thought it best to assist you in other ways."
To Sylyra, he answers, "These catacombs have been beneath Phlan far longer than we disciples of Kelemvor have been here to take care of them. Presumably, not all who have tended them have done so for the same reasons as we do. It does not surprise me that you might find alternative purposes within the older sections. Unless it looked to be in use recently...?" he trails off.
Cassyt soon returns with a pouch of the promised payment, one hundred gold pieces carefully counted out.
"Cassyt," the Doomguide says, "It pleases me to hear that you hold the strength and conviction to defend the dead in their final resting place. You have shown a willingness to go far past your duties as an acolyte, and it seems to me that you are in fact an acolyte only in name. As recognition of your efforts in the defeat of this wizard, and your participation in the defense of the catacombs, it will be my honor to induct you into the formal clergy of Kelemvor - the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud."
Cassyt smiles wide, briefly, before returning a neutral expression and bowing before Doomguide Glandon. "Thank you, Doomguide. I would be most honored. And thank you all, as well. I am happy to know that there are those willing to protect our final resting place. I hope to work together again someday," she says.
"Perhaps you will get the chance," Glandon states. "I am still uneasy. The catacombs are massive, and there may still yet be the remnant's of this wizard roaming the Necropolis, or elsewhere. Now that the main threat seems to be ended, I would like to establish regular patrols with acolytes and trusted individuals. It would not pay as well, but I would welcome your assistance. And, if I may see these papers that were mentioned...?"
Ola watched the ceremony of Cassyt's promotion in approving silence. "We are certainly at your service, Doomguide Glandon, should you need help in protection the city from the dangers if underground,"added she ceremoniously before departure. Well, she was certain of her own devotion to the course but could see the reasons for others to do so as well.
"Shall we go?" Whatever was in those papers, if it is matter of the future work, Doomguide would inform the group - they proved to be reliable group, unlikely he will try to find someone else. And if it was not about another employment - frankly, it was not worth reading or hearing.
Hex clapped silently at Cassyt's promotion and gave her a thumbs up. She also looks quite satisfied as Glandon offers them the job to patrol the catacombs. When he asks for the papers, she cocks her head towards Uragum. "I think he has the papers."
OOC: If Uragum wishes to share the information with Yovir, just let me know in the next post and I will resolve it retroactively. We'll keep moving for now.
"I thank you again for your work," Yovir says, "And I must beg your leave. I have much to discuss with my fellow clergy, the Lord Regent, and the Lord Sage. Return here tomorrow if you would like to assist in clearing out the Necropolis of any lingering undead."
Added 20 gp to each character's inventory. Each character has also gained 138 XP for returning with Cassyt alive and well, and reporting to Doomguide Yovir Glandon.
In addition, each character has received a bane, Enmity of the Welcomers. You slew one or more members of the Welcomers for little more than petty theft. So long as you have this enmity, all future Charisma (Deception, Intimidation or Persuasion) checks made against members of the Welcomers faithful are made with disadvantage. This has been noted under the "Enemies" section of your character sheets.
Arnald no longer has the bane Bane of the Order.
We are now entering 10 days of downtime. What would your character like to do during this time? In addition to the usual activities, Doomguide Glandon and the Order of the Silent Shroud will accept assistance with patrolling the catacombs, and will count as "Practicing a Profession" for the purposes of this downtime.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ooc:sorry I forgot that he grabbed papers.
At that prompting Uragum perks up. "Right, right. I took these papers from down there. I've not had a chance to review them but maybe they will give some insight to what was going on. If your alright with me skimming through them, I d like to do so. If there are any spells there, I'd like to copy them down."
For the first bit of down time: Pit fighting again.
Athletics roll: 23
Attack roll replacing acrobatics: 24
Special Constitution check: 22 + 6
Thinking on the 2nd 1/2 of down time... dang, Uragum can't seem to roll well with pit fighting lately
First things first, Hex would report back to Chaab about what happened in the catacombs. She'd then spend the week patrolling the catacombs during the day. At night, she'd like to do a little snooping into the Welcomers. It's pretty obvious to anyone that she dislikes them. Might even spread a couple of small rumors about them just being a bunch of drunken idiots and wussies.
With any free time she manages to get, she'd also like to catch up with the rest of the party and get to know them better.
Ola shared her downtime between catacombs patrolling and Temple work. It was a straightforward and useful occupation without necessity to deal with corruption, dwarven bureaucracy and other annoyances. Should Lord's Alliance request her aid in anything, she would provide it, of course, as well.
Sylyra would like to steal that "floating" crown, so he'll spend the evening searching for the grate the Welcomers used to enter the catacombs. He has at his disposal speak with animals and a mouse bribe/reward to use if he can't find it on his own. Once he (hopefully) discovers the grate's location, he'll wild shape into a lizard to enter the catacombs, find the crown, steal it, and then wild shape back into a lizard to leave the catacombs. He knows he only has the one night to do this, so if he can't succeed tonight, he forgets the idea.
Until such as time as the rumors about Uragum cease, Sylyra will avoid being seen with Uragum anywhere in public in Phlan.
During the downtime:
Try to meet up with Olisara Lightsong to brief her on what they discovered in the catacombs.
Sell the crown. He'll start with Mr. Justinian to see how much he can get for it.
Pay a visit to Delacrae at All Questions Answered to find out if she's heard any new gossip. He'll ask her about the forest and the agreement Phlan has with the fey to get more information.
Craft two more potions of healing and sell them.
Invite Ola to another dinner at the Cracked Crown. If Ola won't go, invite Hex. If Hex needs something nice to wear, take her shopping.
Busk one evening AWAY from The Laughing Goblin (to avoid the party) to see how much money he can make doing this.
Arnald heads over to the folks at the Order of the Gauntlet. He spends each morning doing archery training for Villonah and any other OotG member who's interested. The rest of the day is spend offering to help Zern (or any other member) in an effort to raise his standing in the factions.
If Sylyra manages to catch Ola in between her duties she would join him. However if she suspects it is just another showoff and he would as well have Hex there - then Ola would suggest to invite Hex. After all, they need to know their future teammate better and the girl might enjoy fancy restaurant too.
Ola would quite open to idea of the an evening or two when everyone joined together in their Inn - a few drinks, stories, a game of dragonchess, just to help Hex to integrate and simply spend time in a good company.
If invited, Hex would gladly join Ola and Sylyra for dinner. Unless there's a dress code, she wouldn't want to dress up and would prefer to keep her armor and weapons on her while they eat.
Sylyra is absolutely only eating at the Cracked Crown to "show off" and help raise his standing in the eyes of the "upper crust" of Phlan (and perhaps make Keria and Aravele jealous). Whether Ola can intuit that, I guess that's up to the DM. He no interest in inviting both Ola and Hex, as that would no longer be seen as a "romantic evening", even though he has no intentions of it becoming romantic. If it ends up being Hex, Sylyra will not allow her to wear her battle gear to their dinner.
OOC: It's going to take me a bit longer to resolve all of the downtime activities, so in the meantime Sylyra, Hex and Ola should feel free to play out the dinner as much as you'd like. I don't like to interfere much in player RP like this so I'll leave it up to each of the involved players how much Ola is able to intuit from Sylyra's intent (whether you want to sort it out with rolls or just RP it is fine by me).
One note about Sylyra's list of activities - he can craft the potions of healing no problem (1 day and 25 gp each) but would not be able to sell them easily for a profit (my rule on reselling to stores is that they're willing to pay 20% of the base price of the item). To sell for the full price of the potions would fall under another downtime activity, Selling a Magic Item, and would require more time.
(Ok, let's not overcomplicate things. Sylyra's intend was clear last time, they even discussed it )
This time invitation did not surprise Ola. She did not try to give her opinion either - there was no need to repeat herself and the favor to the companion was not even worth mentioning. She did talk Phlan, though. The evening took a bit of preparation (she could not be seen in the same dress, obviously) but eventually Ola had to admit she still enjoyed simple pleasures like an expensive meal in a fancy establishment. An attentive companion - no matter the reason - did not hurt the evening either, Ola even smiled to the jokes. From the outside they could look as a romantic couple but Ola talked about the city. "Do not take it as a critique of your plans or an advice, but are you sure you joined the right faction for your plans? I happen to know a bit of the history of the place. Noble families - or what's left of them - mostly associated or originated from Zentarim. The next best thing would be Lord's Alliance and with the current state of the place - any open militaristic force. Even if you do not know the history, from our own "adventurers" you could see nobles do not rule here, not anymore. Phlan is a lawless, shabby remnant of what it once was. If you are to establish your reputation here, it is by the sword, not the acquaintance with any almost dead houses. Just saying."She did not plan to ruin the evening by lecturing, it was something she contemplated herself for a while.
Sylyra appreciates Ola's candor. It is one of her best qualities. If they weren't in this "shabby" place, he would never ask her to a romantic dinner — she'd be a political ally, sure, but not a social conquest — but in this city at this time, she is a very good choice. For her beauty, though perhaps not as perfect as a few of the ladies of Phlan, is exotic, and that easily makes up for any physical defect one could hold against her. And he did so enjoy her sense of fashion.
The dusky-skinned elf slowly swirls the wine in his glass as he responds to the blue-skinned elf's advice, "I won't be in Phlan much longer. My home is Waterdeep. As soon as my family has reached a sufficient level of regret, I will return to the Sword Coast, and this period of mild purgatory will be over." He smiles. "Have you ever been to Waterdeep?" Whether she has or not, Sylyra extols the virtues of the City of Splendors with much pride. He speaks of it as if he has lived there forever and as if the Wasanthi family has been a jewel in its crown from as early as the Spellplague. He conceitedly mentions a few of his favorite haunts (all extremely expensive and most exclusive) and name drops a few nobles, but he at least has the decency to avoid broaching the subject of his suspended romantic life.
"So," he says, changing the subject, "what do you think of Hex? She seems capable and enjoyable enough. Do you think she'll stick around longer than Zelra did?"
OOC: Concerning your note about selling potions, since Sylyra doesn't know this, let's have him craft the potions and attempt to sell them. You can decide what happens. If 10 gp each is all anyone will offer him for them, he won't sell them for that price, but go ahead and let that be the result so he learns.
Ola did not indicate in any way if she felt anything odd about their evening and listened Sylyra's stories with an interest. "No, I have never traveled that far. My family does not approve of city life. As in human city life."She did not elaborate any further, but even if did not fully believe all of the tales - by now Sylyra's incline to some... exaggeration was not a secret among the companions - never indicated it. The boasting was seemingly taken at the face value and regarded with more than simple politeness. "I am sure your family misses you dearly already." (That was more of a courtesy but with the friendly smile) "Would they be happy to hear about your heroic deeds? Then valor might still be a good option."
She though a bit before answering the question about Hex. "By now, I would not bet on anyone's willingness to stay for a long. Phlan seems to be just a stepping stone for many. However you said it yourself - capable and enjoyable. She is a good company in the catacombs. Why don't we have a little get-together as a full group in a less," she looked around searching for the word, "high-toned environment? Say, at the Laughing Goblin? For personal enjoyment and may be as a message to anyone you have some strong arm force on your side."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: The year is 1489 DR.
ARNALD:
The lingering nervous tension between you and the Order of the Gauntlet is dispelled as word spreads of your latest mission. Zern is quick to extol the virtue of ridding Phlan of undead, setting you up with small missions throughout town to break up your routine training sessions. Villonah does not take part in the lessons that you find time for in this tenday, as you learn she is still recovering from the strain of her last mission, but she makes sure to attend a couple of them to watch from the sidelines, inquiring afterward for tales from the catacombs.
OOC: Removed 10 gp for living expenses, and added progress toward gaining renown in the Order of the Gauntlet.
____________________________________
HEX:
Investigation: 8
Doomguide Yovir Glandon is grateful for your assistance, and makes mention of his worry that a wizard was sheltering within the catacombs. He also seems quite disturbed of the idea that some "Pool" lies beneath Phlan somewhere, according to your information about the map that was given to him. He notes that the arrow likely points toward Valjevo Keep, but stops short of conjecture about what the word might mean.
His caution results in a large patrol of acolytes that you accompany back into the catacombs, and into the Necropolis where new interments take place. The Necropolis is something to behold, stretching for hundreds of feet beneath the surface; you realize quickly that a person could explore its depths for days and not see all that it contains.
It's as if you've entered a subterranean city. The crypts within are modeled after surface homes and other buildings, although they're only about two-thirds the size of their real counterparts. You hear multiple sounds of scratching and scraping throughout your patrols, and over the course of five days you have multiple run-ins with walking skeletons, zombies, and even a few ghouls that roam the massive section of the catacombs. Your blade, along with the holy light of the Kelemvorites, makes quick work of the undead, and Doomguide Glandon pays you for your efforts.
You learn a fair amount about the Welcomers: A local thieves' guild, declared outlaws by the current Lord Regent and in a war of survival against the Black Fist, Phlan's city guard. The Welcomers strike from the shadows, spreading word of the tyranny of the Black Fist, as the Black Fist proclaims the crimes of the Welcomers. Information on the guild is more difficult to find than the living dead were, however, and your efforts turn up only this surface-level information. For now, there are no locations or contacts to be found.
OOC: Removed 5 gp for living expenses while not working with the Kelemvorites. Removed 5 gp for the cost of research, including bribes to attempt to open lips.
____________________________________
OLA:
Doomguide Yovir Glandon is grateful for your assistance, and makes mention of his worry that a wizard was sheltering within the catacombs. He also seems quite disturbed of the idea that some "Pool" lies beneath Phlan somewhere, according to your information about the map that was given to him. He notes that the arrow likely points toward Valjevo Keep, but stops short of conjecture about what the word might mean.
His caution results in a large patrol of acolytes that you accompany back into the catacombs, and into the Necropolis where new interments take place. The Necropolis is something to behold, stretching for hundreds of feet beneath the surface; you realize quickly that a person could explore its depths for days and not see all that it contains.
It's as if you've entered a subterranean city. The crypts within are modeled after surface homes and other buildings, although they're only about two-thirds the size of their real counterparts. You hear multiple sounds of scratching and scraping throughout your patrols, and over the course of five days you have multiple run-ins with walking skeletons, zombies, and even a few ghouls that roam the massive section of the catacombs. Your blade, along with the holy light of the Kelemvorites, makes quick work of the undead, and Doomguide Glandon pays you for your efforts.
____________________________________
SYLYRA:
Investigation:21
It takes a large portion of the evening to locate the grate above the "sun pit", well-hidden in a field just outside of town. The Welcomers' grappling hook is still visible, but you see quickly that there is little hope of entering the catacombs through this or any entrance without being seen. The party's interest and description of this pit has apparently gleaned the Doomguide's interest as well, and a number of Kelemvorites are investigating the area throughout the night, as well as cleaning the area and removing the slain bodies of the living and undead within.
Delacrae seems happy to see you again, declining any notion of gossip ("I am a researcher, not a tavern patron!") but she quickly gets to work gathering information about the Quivering Forest and the fey within:
The origins of the pact between Phlan and the fey of the Quivering forest are unknown, but it is known that the Zhentarim were in control of the town when the pact was formed. In exchange for forbidding travel and logging in the forest, the fey pledged to protect Phlan. The fey would later honor their part of the bargain and spare the town from destruction at the hands of the Netherese. As such, the Quivering Forest has long been restricted, off limits to all travel and woodworking by the old decree to ensure the fey's assistance in the event of another attack.
The Quivering Forest is known to be enchanted, full of secretive denizens. In these backwater parts of the Moonsea, the fey within are the subjects of more stories than one can count - unruly children taken away by the fey, the foolish farmer who didn't leave an offering from the year's first harvest, that sort of thing - but most are likely exaggerated myths. Only a select few rangers actually know anything about the inside of the forest, those that would serve as liaisons between Phlan and the fey, as well as protectors of the pact.
You find the stores in Phlan to be quite stingy when it comes to making a profit. Their interest in making enough through reselling your potions results in offers no greater than 10 gp. You also find a number of taverns willing to provide lodging for your ability with the viol, but only at a modest lifestyle. The Cracked Crown and other reputable boarding houses have "higher quality" entertainment available, according to them.
Olisara has a less playful attitude than usual when given your report. The notion that a wizard wearing red was sheltering in Phlan should be enough to make anyone nervous, she says.
OOC: Removed 9 gp for living expenses. Added 2 potions of healing and removed 50 gp in materials to craft them. Removed 1 gp for the cost of obtaining timely information from All Questions Answered.
____________________________________
URAGUM:
Your appearance at Phlan's underground fighting pits is met with sneers, scoffs, and if not turned away quickly, raised weapons. Those that fund the fighting have washed their hands clean of your reputation, it is explained - bets will no longer be made if the audience suspects that the matches are fixed, and it will apparently be some time before they are willing to place you in matches again.
____________________________________
OOC: The next adventure will not start in an area suitable for Sylyra and Ola's idea of having the party get to know Hex a little better, so I want to give the chance to RP that event here, as well as get an idea of Uragum's downtime since his didn't quite go as planned.
When Ola suggests the party get together socially, Sylyra's eyes lower to the table, and he adjusts his posture, clearly feeling uncomfortable. "That ... won't be possible right now." He places his wine glass on the table. "I'm sure Uragum did not cheat in the fighting pits, but until the rumors stop, I can't let his bad reputation tarnish my own. I won't be seen with him in public." He pauses. "I have my own ... past ... issues to undo." The remainder of the dinner is much less relaxed. Sylyra tries to act indifferent and carefree, but Ola can tell the topic of Uragum has become an invisible and unwelcome guest at their table.
That night, late, Sylyra knocks on Uragum's door. The elf has two mugs he's borrowed from the tavern in one hand and the bottle of Alurlyath wine he's had with him since being shipped to Phlan in the other. The bottle is uncorked and half empty, and Sylyra's clearly tipsy. He smiles broadly when Uragum answers his knock. "May I come in?"
OOC: We might should have the DM map out when the dinner takes place in comparison to Uragum's shutout at the pits. I didn't have a particular night in mind, but I'm thinking in the first half of the downtime, but not right away. So, perhaps Uragum was already turned out by then? As Sylyra is avoiding him, he might not have heard about it.
OOC2: Removed wine from possessions. Added dead mouse, since it didn't seem like it was used to find the grate.
OOC3: Did Sylyra's downtime get fully used up? If not, I'd like him to spend a little time asking around about the Zhents.
Uragum answers the door. His mood still slightly sour from being turned away at the pits. Though seeing Sylyra, his mood slightly improves. Seeing the mug and bottle it improves some more. "Of course you can come in friend. And bearing gifts I see." He gestures for him to come in and offers the chair next to the little end table.
He takes a quick moment and clears off some of his clutter from the table and sits opposite him using the bed as his chair since there is only one in the room.
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"The healing magic of the Order of the Silent Shroud is a gift from Kelemvor himself. And Kelemvor I am not," Yovir responds to Ola. "I could no more teach my acolytes to use healing magic than you could, though Cassyt does happen to be gifted with the ability to use minor healing spells. Perhaps she thought it best to assist you in other ways."
To Sylyra, he answers, "These catacombs have been beneath Phlan far longer than we disciples of Kelemvor have been here to take care of them. Presumably, not all who have tended them have done so for the same reasons as we do. It does not surprise me that you might find alternative purposes within the older sections. Unless it looked to be in use recently...?"
he trails off.
Cassyt soon returns with a pouch of the promised payment, one hundred gold pieces carefully counted out.
"Cassyt," the Doomguide says, "It pleases me to hear that you hold the strength and conviction to defend the dead in their final resting place. You have shown a willingness to go far past your duties as an acolyte, and it seems to me that you are in fact an acolyte only in name. As recognition of your efforts in the defeat of this wizard, and your participation in the defense of the catacombs, it will be my honor to induct you into the formal clergy of Kelemvor - the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud."
Cassyt smiles wide, briefly, before returning a neutral expression and bowing before Doomguide Glandon. "Thank you, Doomguide. I would be most honored. And thank you all, as well. I am happy to know that there are those willing to protect our final resting place. I hope to work together again someday," she says.
"Perhaps you will get the chance," Glandon states. "I am still uneasy. The catacombs are massive, and there may still yet be the remnant's of this wizard roaming the Necropolis, or elsewhere. Now that the main threat seems to be ended, I would like to establish regular patrols with acolytes and trusted individuals. It would not pay as well, but I would welcome your assistance. And, if I may see these papers that were mentioned...?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Ola watched the ceremony of Cassyt's promotion in approving silence. "We are certainly at your service, Doomguide Glandon, should you need help in protection the city from the dangers if underground," added she ceremoniously before departure. Well, she was certain of her own devotion to the course but could see the reasons for others to do so as well.
"Shall we go?" Whatever was in those papers, if it is matter of the future work, Doomguide would inform the group - they proved to be reliable group, unlikely he will try to find someone else. And if it was not about another employment - frankly, it was not worth reading or hearing.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Hex clapped silently at Cassyt's promotion and gave her a thumbs up. She also looks quite satisfied as Glandon offers them the job to patrol the catacombs. When he asks for the papers, she cocks her head towards Uragum. "I think he has the papers."
Arnald looks to Ola, "Aye, let's go find some food. I'm getting hungry."
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
OOC: If Uragum wishes to share the information with Yovir, just let me know in the next post and I will resolve it retroactively. We'll keep moving for now.
"I thank you again for your work," Yovir says, "And I must beg your leave. I have much to discuss with my fellow clergy, the Lord Regent, and the Lord Sage. Return here tomorrow if you would like to assist in clearing out the Necropolis of any lingering undead."
Added 20 gp to each character's inventory. Each character has also gained 138 XP for returning with Cassyt alive and well, and reporting to Doomguide Yovir Glandon.
In addition, each character has received a bane, Enmity of the Welcomers. You slew one or more members of the Welcomers for little more than petty theft. So long as you have this enmity, all future Charisma (Deception, Intimidation or Persuasion) checks made against members of the Welcomers faithful are made with disadvantage. This has been noted under the "Enemies" section of your character sheets.
Arnald no longer has the bane Bane of the Order.
We are now entering 10 days of downtime. What would your character like to do during this time? In addition to the usual activities, Doomguide Glandon and the Order of the Silent Shroud will accept assistance with patrolling the catacombs, and will count as "Practicing a Profession" for the purposes of this downtime.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Ooc:sorry I forgot that he grabbed papers.
At that prompting Uragum perks up. "Right, right. I took these papers from down there. I've not had a chance to review them but maybe they will give some insight to what was going on. If your alright with me skimming through them, I d like to do so. If there are any spells there, I'd like to copy them down."
For the first bit of down time: Pit fighting again.
Athletics roll: 23
Attack roll replacing acrobatics: 24
Special Constitution check: 22 + 6
Thinking on the 2nd 1/2 of down time... dang, Uragum can't seem to roll well with pit fighting lately
First things first, Hex would report back to Chaab about what happened in the catacombs. She'd then spend the week patrolling the catacombs during the day. At night, she'd like to do a little snooping into the Welcomers. It's pretty obvious to anyone that she dislikes them. Might even spread a couple of small rumors about them just being a bunch of drunken idiots and wussies.
With any free time she manages to get, she'd also like to catch up with the rest of the party and get to know them better.
Ola shared her downtime between catacombs patrolling and Temple work. It was a straightforward and useful occupation without necessity to deal with corruption, dwarven bureaucracy and other annoyances. Should Lord's Alliance request her aid in anything, she would provide it, of course, as well.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra would like to steal that "floating" crown, so he'll spend the evening searching for the grate the Welcomers used to enter the catacombs. He has at his disposal speak with animals and a mouse bribe/reward to use if he can't find it on his own. Once he (hopefully) discovers the grate's location, he'll wild shape into a lizard to enter the catacombs, find the crown, steal it, and then wild shape back into a lizard to leave the catacombs. He knows he only has the one night to do this, so if he can't succeed tonight, he forgets the idea.
Until such as time as the rumors about Uragum cease, Sylyra will avoid being seen with Uragum anywhere in public in Phlan.
During the downtime:
Arnald heads over to the folks at the Order of the Gauntlet. He spends each morning doing archery training for Villonah and any other OotG member who's interested. The rest of the day is spend offering to help Zern (or any other member) in an effort to raise his standing in the factions.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
If Sylyra manages to catch Ola in between her duties she would join him. However if she suspects it is just another showoff and he would as well have Hex there - then Ola would suggest to invite Hex. After all, they need to know their future teammate better and the girl might enjoy fancy restaurant too.
Ola would quite open to idea of the an evening or two when everyone joined together in their Inn - a few drinks, stories, a game of dragonchess, just to help Hex to integrate and simply spend time in a good company.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
If invited, Hex would gladly join Ola and Sylyra for dinner. Unless there's a dress code, she wouldn't want to dress up and would prefer to keep her armor and weapons on her while they eat.
Sylyra is absolutely only eating at the Cracked Crown to "show off" and help raise his standing in the eyes of the "upper crust" of Phlan (and perhaps make Keria and Aravele jealous). Whether Ola can intuit that, I guess that's up to the DM. He no interest in inviting both Ola and Hex, as that would no longer be seen as a "romantic evening", even though he has no intentions of it becoming romantic. If it ends up being Hex, Sylyra will not allow her to wear her battle gear to their dinner.
OOC: It's going to take me a bit longer to resolve all of the downtime activities, so in the meantime Sylyra, Hex and Ola should feel free to play out the dinner as much as you'd like. I don't like to interfere much in player RP like this so I'll leave it up to each of the involved players how much Ola is able to intuit from Sylyra's intent (whether you want to sort it out with rolls or just RP it is fine by me).
One note about Sylyra's list of activities - he can craft the potions of healing no problem (1 day and 25 gp each) but would not be able to sell them easily for a profit (my rule on reselling to stores is that they're willing to pay 20% of the base price of the item). To sell for the full price of the potions would fall under another downtime activity, Selling a Magic Item, and would require more time.
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(Ok, let's not overcomplicate things. Sylyra's intend was clear last time, they even discussed it )
This time invitation did not surprise Ola. She did not try to give her opinion either - there was no need to repeat herself and the favor to the companion was not even worth mentioning. She did talk Phlan, though. The evening took a bit of preparation (she could not be seen in the same dress, obviously) but eventually Ola had to admit she still enjoyed simple pleasures like an expensive meal in a fancy establishment. An attentive companion - no matter the reason - did not hurt the evening either, Ola even smiled to the jokes. From the outside they could look as a romantic couple but Ola talked about the city. "Do not take it as a critique of your plans or an advice, but are you sure you joined the right faction for your plans? I happen to know a bit of the history of the place. Noble families - or what's left of them - mostly associated or originated from Zentarim. The next best thing would be Lord's Alliance and with the current state of the place - any open militaristic force. Even if you do not know the history, from our own "adventurers" you could see nobles do not rule here, not anymore. Phlan is a lawless, shabby remnant of what it once was. If you are to establish your reputation here, it is by the sword, not the acquaintance with any almost dead houses. Just saying." She did not plan to ruin the evening by lecturing, it was something she contemplated herself for a while.
(OOC: Btw, what year is it?)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra appreciates Ola's candor. It is one of her best qualities. If they weren't in this "shabby" place, he would never ask her to a romantic dinner — she'd be a political ally, sure, but not a social conquest — but in this city at this time, she is a very good choice. For her beauty, though perhaps not as perfect as a few of the ladies of Phlan, is exotic, and that easily makes up for any physical defect one could hold against her. And he did so enjoy her sense of fashion.
The dusky-skinned elf slowly swirls the wine in his glass as he responds to the blue-skinned elf's advice, "I won't be in Phlan much longer. My home is Waterdeep. As soon as my family has reached a sufficient level of regret, I will return to the Sword Coast, and this period of mild purgatory will be over." He smiles. "Have you ever been to Waterdeep?" Whether she has or not, Sylyra extols the virtues of the City of Splendors with much pride. He speaks of it as if he has lived there forever and as if the Wasanthi family has been a jewel in its crown from as early as the Spellplague. He conceitedly mentions a few of his favorite haunts (all extremely expensive and most exclusive) and name drops a few nobles, but he at least has the decency to avoid broaching the subject of his suspended romantic life.
"So," he says, changing the subject, "what do you think of Hex? She seems capable and enjoyable enough. Do you think she'll stick around longer than Zelra did?"
OOC: Concerning your note about selling potions, since Sylyra doesn't know this, let's have him craft the potions and attempt to sell them. You can decide what happens. If 10 gp each is all anyone will offer him for them, he won't sell them for that price, but go ahead and let that be the result so he learns.
Ola did not indicate in any way if she felt anything odd about their evening and listened Sylyra's stories with an interest. "No, I have never traveled that far. My family does not approve of city life. As in human city life." She did not elaborate any further, but even if did not fully believe all of the tales - by now Sylyra's incline to some... exaggeration was not a secret among the companions - never indicated it. The boasting was seemingly taken at the face value and regarded with more than simple politeness. "I am sure your family misses you dearly already." (That was more of a courtesy but with the friendly smile) "Would they be happy to hear about your heroic deeds? Then valor might still be a good option."
She though a bit before answering the question about Hex. "By now, I would not bet on anyone's willingness to stay for a long. Phlan seems to be just a stepping stone for many. However you said it yourself - capable and enjoyable. She is a good company in the catacombs. Why don't we have a little get-together as a full group in a less," she looked around searching for the word, "high-toned environment? Say, at the Laughing Goblin? For personal enjoyment and may be as a message to anyone you have some strong arm force on your side."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
OOC: The year is 1489 DR.
ARNALD:
The lingering nervous tension between you and the Order of the Gauntlet is dispelled as word spreads of your latest mission. Zern is quick to extol the virtue of ridding Phlan of undead, setting you up with small missions throughout town to break up your routine training sessions. Villonah does not take part in the lessons that you find time for in this tenday, as you learn she is still recovering from the strain of her last mission, but she makes sure to attend a couple of them to watch from the sidelines, inquiring afterward for tales from the catacombs.
OOC: Removed 10 gp for living expenses, and added progress toward gaining renown in the Order of the Gauntlet.
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HEX:
Investigation: 8
Doomguide Yovir Glandon is grateful for your assistance, and makes mention of his worry that a wizard was sheltering within the catacombs. He also seems quite disturbed of the idea that some "Pool" lies beneath Phlan somewhere, according to your information about the map that was given to him. He notes that the arrow likely points toward Valjevo Keep, but stops short of conjecture about what the word might mean.
His caution results in a large patrol of acolytes that you accompany back into the catacombs, and into the Necropolis where new interments take place. The Necropolis is something to behold, stretching for hundreds of feet beneath the surface; you realize quickly that a person could explore its depths for days and not see all that it contains.
It's as if you've entered a subterranean city. The crypts within are modeled after surface homes and other buildings, although they're only about two-thirds the size of their real counterparts. You hear multiple sounds of scratching and scraping throughout your patrols, and over the course of five days you have multiple run-ins with walking skeletons, zombies, and even a few ghouls that roam the massive section of the catacombs. Your blade, along with the holy light of the Kelemvorites, makes quick work of the undead, and Doomguide Glandon pays you for your efforts.
You learn a fair amount about the Welcomers: A local thieves' guild, declared outlaws by the current Lord Regent and in a war of survival against the Black Fist, Phlan's city guard. The Welcomers strike from the shadows, spreading word of the tyranny of the Black Fist, as the Black Fist proclaims the crimes of the Welcomers. Information on the guild is more difficult to find than the living dead were, however, and your efforts turn up only this surface-level information. For now, there are no locations or contacts to be found.
OOC: Removed 5 gp for living expenses while not working with the Kelemvorites. Removed 5 gp for the cost of research, including bribes to attempt to open lips.
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OLA:
Doomguide Yovir Glandon is grateful for your assistance, and makes mention of his worry that a wizard was sheltering within the catacombs. He also seems quite disturbed of the idea that some "Pool" lies beneath Phlan somewhere, according to your information about the map that was given to him. He notes that the arrow likely points toward Valjevo Keep, but stops short of conjecture about what the word might mean.
His caution results in a large patrol of acolytes that you accompany back into the catacombs, and into the Necropolis where new interments take place. The Necropolis is something to behold, stretching for hundreds of feet beneath the surface; you realize quickly that a person could explore its depths for days and not see all that it contains.
It's as if you've entered a subterranean city. The crypts within are modeled after surface homes and other buildings, although they're only about two-thirds the size of their real counterparts. You hear multiple sounds of scratching and scraping throughout your patrols, and over the course of five days you have multiple run-ins with walking skeletons, zombies, and even a few ghouls that roam the massive section of the catacombs. Your blade, along with the holy light of the Kelemvorites, makes quick work of the undead, and Doomguide Glandon pays you for your efforts.
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SYLYRA:
Investigation: 21
It takes a large portion of the evening to locate the grate above the "sun pit", well-hidden in a field just outside of town. The Welcomers' grappling hook is still visible, but you see quickly that there is little hope of entering the catacombs through this or any entrance without being seen. The party's interest and description of this pit has apparently gleaned the Doomguide's interest as well, and a number of Kelemvorites are investigating the area throughout the night, as well as cleaning the area and removing the slain bodies of the living and undead within.
Delacrae seems happy to see you again, declining any notion of gossip ("I am a researcher, not a tavern patron!") but she quickly gets to work gathering information about the Quivering Forest and the fey within:
You find the stores in Phlan to be quite stingy when it comes to making a profit. Their interest in making enough through reselling your potions results in offers no greater than 10 gp. You also find a number of taverns willing to provide lodging for your ability with the viol, but only at a modest lifestyle. The Cracked Crown and other reputable boarding houses have "higher quality" entertainment available, according to them.
Olisara has a less playful attitude than usual when given your report. The notion that a wizard wearing red was sheltering in Phlan should be enough to make anyone nervous, she says.
OOC: Removed 9 gp for living expenses. Added 2 potions of healing and removed 50 gp in materials to craft them. Removed 1 gp for the cost of obtaining timely information from All Questions Answered.
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URAGUM:
Your appearance at Phlan's underground fighting pits is met with sneers, scoffs, and if not turned away quickly, raised weapons. Those that fund the fighting have washed their hands clean of your reputation, it is explained - bets will no longer be made if the audience suspects that the matches are fixed, and it will apparently be some time before they are willing to place you in matches again.
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OOC: The next adventure will not start in an area suitable for Sylyra and Ola's idea of having the party get to know Hex a little better, so I want to give the chance to RP that event here, as well as get an idea of Uragum's downtime since his didn't quite go as planned.
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When Ola suggests the party get together socially, Sylyra's eyes lower to the table, and he adjusts his posture, clearly feeling uncomfortable. "That ... won't be possible right now." He places his wine glass on the table. "I'm sure Uragum did not cheat in the fighting pits, but until the rumors stop, I can't let his bad reputation tarnish my own. I won't be seen with him in public." He pauses. "I have my own ... past ... issues to undo." The remainder of the dinner is much less relaxed. Sylyra tries to act indifferent and carefree, but Ola can tell the topic of Uragum has become an invisible and unwelcome guest at their table.
That night, late, Sylyra knocks on Uragum's door. The elf has two mugs he's borrowed from the tavern in one hand and the bottle of Alurlyath wine he's had with him since being shipped to Phlan in the other. The bottle is uncorked and half empty, and Sylyra's clearly tipsy. He smiles broadly when Uragum answers his knock. "May I come in?"
OOC: We might should have the DM map out when the dinner takes place in comparison to Uragum's shutout at the pits. I didn't have a particular night in mind, but I'm thinking in the first half of the downtime, but not right away. So, perhaps Uragum was already turned out by then? As Sylyra is avoiding him, he might not have heard about it.
OOC2: Removed wine from possessions. Added dead mouse, since it didn't seem like it was used to find the grate.
OOC3: Did Sylyra's downtime get fully used up? If not, I'd like him to spend a little time asking around about the Zhents.
Uragum answers the door. His mood still slightly sour from being turned away at the pits. Though seeing Sylyra, his mood slightly improves. Seeing the mug and bottle it improves some more. "Of course you can come in friend. And bearing gifts I see." He gestures for him to come in and offers the chair next to the little end table.
He takes a quick moment and clears off some of his clutter from the table and sits opposite him using the bed as his chair since there is only one in the room.