This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fargrim practiced his cooking 20
"Damn, that's pretty good! Grandol, come try this." Fargrim held out a large wooden spoon with the beef braised in red wine with root vegetables from the cellar. It was quite good.
"You're coming along fella. Cooking can be the gateway to honor for those like you. Creating something that brings joy helps to make up for past misery. Next I'll teach you to make sausages and dried meat that you can take with you on your journeys."
Radgar's shoulders slumped as the door opened to Stonebreaker Hall. The warmth of the hearth, the smell of fresh-baked bread, the frothy mug of ale pushed into his hand. He was home. And Dagnam was safe. It was over.
The relief hit him hard. He managed to make his rounds, kiss his mother, visit with his sisters and make reverence to the shrine of the ancestors before sitting next to his father for the family meal. Nearly collapsing into the comfortable chair to his father's right, he barely remembered the meal or the constant stream of questions about where he'd been and what he'd seen before making his way to bed for the night. Collapsing onto the thin mat rolled out next to the forge, he felt the familiar warm heat wrap around him before darkness took him.
He slept hard for nearly twelve hours. Longer than he could remember sleeping since before his apprenticeship.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse:
(Street Performances)
Adding true magic to his performance repertoire took Danse a bit longer to get a handle of than he would've originally imagined. Eventually though, he started to get into a good groove as the week went on and his performances slowly started to return to the standards he typically reached before the change. (Danse earns : 5 gp, 2 sp & 7 cp for the week!)
(Contacting Zellara)
With the cards flourished in front of him, Danse waited patiently for a response; who knew how long it might take for a spirit to reply back. After about 10 minutes or so, Danse shrugged in acceptance at a lack of response before making a move to leave the private room he had claimed for his spiritual experiment. Before he could open the door himself, a gust of wind slammed the door open and shot through the space, throwing the cards all about before landing all over the small room. Danse would've thought nothing of the occurrence if it wasn't for two things. One, the fact that every window and door in the inn seemed to be closed; and Two, every single card but three were flipped face down, the three face up stacked on top of each other a bit too neatly to be mere coincidence. Closing the door, Danse noted the following cards (The Betrayal, The Survivor & The Brass Dwarf) neatly stacked on top of each other (see the spoiler below); what their possible meaning could be - if any - was up for Danse to decide...
Card #1:
Card #2
Card #3
(The Gray District)
Strolling through the long length of the Midland District, Danse eventually came across the walls that separated the Gray from the rest of the city. Passing through it, he meandered about a bit before returning the general area where he had met the wizened man previously. There appeared to be no trace of him. A Danse waited, he did a general survey of the area to no avail; as far as he could tell, there was no sign of the man or the ghost of Yargin as he had claimed...
Danse has been busy! So you maybe 1.5-2 days left this week. Outside of the above, let me know if there's anything else you'd like to do this week. You've found nothing incriminating about Silas from your spying but you can continue to track him if you'd like (if continuing to watch from afar, give me another perception/ investigation check).
Fargrim:
Ha, you beat me to it! Your new dish, though not 100% finalized has begun to make a name for itself at the Boar and Bear and has even brought in a few new customers besides the regulars that typically frequent the pub. Please give us a name for your new dish! :)
Another cooking check for me please and let me know if there's anything else you want to do this week.
"As for the front lines....well, I did manage pretty well on my own during my 'adventure', as Arcadia put it. So I wouldn't go far as to compare it to what would happen if we handed the reins to a certain muscle-brained madwoman."
"You make a fair point brother. And if I'm hearing things correctly, then you're implying that neither of you are fit to lead the Brigade." Marcus began before sighing exaggeratedly and rising to stand on the chair he had just sat down in, "So be it then. It seems the burden shall fall to me. I, Marcus Ironward, second of his name - and by far the most beautiful and talented of the Ironward children - shall take the mantle of High Lord of the Brigade in my failing siblings' stead. I do so grimly yet know it must be done for Korvorsa's fut-" Before he could finish his speech, a well-aimed pillow from Arcadia's direction knocked the gangly lad off his homemade soapbox and onto the floor with a "thud". "You were saying oh High Lord?" Arcadia said with false modesty before laughing to herself.
Kaisaras would continue to bicker and jest back and forth with his siblings for a minute more before letting a chuckling sigh and standing up from his chair. His gaze and face took on a more serious air as he glanced towards his siblings, silently signaling to them he was being serious now. "As for the earlier remark, I reckon that father is testing us. The meeting tomorrow isn't a punishment or even an avoiding of one. During my outing, I came into contact with a number of influential figures, including Field Marshal Kroft, who asked me to inquire to father regarding a union of duties, or mutual support of the Brigade and the Guard." He gave his words a moment to sink in and be comprehended by both his siblings before continuing, though he did take a moment to push Aradia's foot off his documents at last. "I'm going as father's representative, and to hash out any needed documentation, Arcadia you'll be representing the interests of our people, the Brigade specifically, since you have a more grounded understanding of how things work with them than I can get by paper...if either of you have any opinions or insights on the matter, that would be appreciated." He'd pick up the papers, now dirtied by Arcadia's boots, and turn them over for either of his siblings to look over.
"Sounds boring." Arcadia replied rather flatly. "But if it's what father wants..." she added (with Marcus echoing the refrain). "Just let me know when we're leaving... And what about this one?" she added as she rose to her feet, pointing at Marcus. "Yes, what about me Brother!?! What shall I be doing hmmm?" Marcus added in a tone that showed a clear lack of interest in joining in on the proceedings with the Guard...
I'll move us along to the meeting whenever you're ready to do so.
Kurstin:
"You all sleep too much so I decided to start my day early is all. Plus you know how mom and dad have been since I came back... I just didn't want to deal with all that 'hassle' you know?" Irma replied calmly. "You probably just missed me!"
Insight check for me please...
Radgar:
The next few days were a whirl of parties and reunions as the Stonebreaker clan celebrated the surprising return of Dagnam. Word had also spread fast throughout the city and soon the Earther clan and they Hammerhead clan were joining in the festivities as well; bringing with them more food and ale then the dwarves knew what to do with. One of the happiest sights of all for Radgar was seeing his brother seemingly back to the way he was before. The joy on his face as he was cheered, toasted - and tossed into the air more than a few times - was priceless and worth all the hardships Radgar had gone through to find him and more.
After few days, it was time to say goodbye to the family and return back to Korvorsa. Though Janderhoff would always be home, there was unfinished business in Korvora that he had to take care of; he had made promises to the Guard after all.
Time to say your goodbyes and head back on the caravan to Korvosa. As a thank you for finding Dagnam, your family gifted you a set of Split Armor as a parting gift!
(Also forgot to mention this earlier, you earned 30gp for your job as a caravan guard. You'll earn 30gp for a successful trip back.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fargrim was pleased that his food had been accepted so well by the customers at the Boar and Bear. Grandol told him he wanted to make it a part of the menu and it needed a more catchy name than "Plate of Meat". Never far from Fargrim's mind was the thought of his girls so he immediately named his signature dish "Vistra's Amber Stew" He knew it was a sappy name but he was trying to stop bottling up his emotions lately and cooking had helped him with that. He was still learning and not everything came out right but Grandol would step in and salvage most of it. If something turned out really bad, Fargrim would save it for himself for dinner.
Cooking Check - 6
The rest of the week, is spent working at the Boar and Bear but now as a cook instead of the dishwasher. After the dinner rush he would clean himself up and wander the streets thinking about regrets. From time to time he would casually ask about Black Jack or Yargrin but he knew that he didn't have a knack for investigation. He was good at getting people to talk to him but not great at sniffing out info from nothing. If he saw Danse again, he would tell him what he had learned. Otherwise, he would worry about other things.
Kaisaras smiled towards his little brother, chuckling at his brother's clear indication of distaste for the proceedings, "Well originally, father wished for you to join us, but I thought it would only be fair to offer you the choice of what you'd want to do. So, Marcus, do you want to come with us to the meeting, or would you rather attend Arcadia's training sessions with the guards in her place?" He could guess his brother's choice, but it was still only fair that he had the choice.
Once his conversation with his siblings had completed, Kaisaras would sort out his work again, before turning it in and waiting for the day of the meeting.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Insight: 3
Kurstin heard a slight inflection in his sister's voice...it helped that he was listening for it. He had been sneaking out at night for years now looking for her and having to cover for it. Especially when unpleasantness had ensued and he needed to lie in even more fervent manner than usual. So Kurstin knew the sound of a half-truth. But he also knew not to push it...Irma had been through a lot. So he merely replied, "I did miss you, punkin. And I know exactly what you mean about mom and dad...it's even worse now that you're back. Don't worry, sis, your secrets are safe with me. But can we agree to no secrets between us? You look out for me - I'll look out for you. Deal?" He held up his pinky finger to her in the way they had made promises as kids...
Radgar enjoyed the feasts and the feting, enjoyed seeing his family whole and happy, and loved seeing his younger brother begin to heal from his ordeal.
But his true love, the thing that brought him peace and joy, was the forge. He awoke early his first morning home, rising before the first sparks of dawn touched the sky to stoke the furnace and bring it back to life after its evening's slumber. The chore was a joy, a meditation, a reminder of his days as an apprentice and of the power that Gond brought into this fallen world. As he went about the mornings' rituals, lighting the braziers, oiling and anointing the implements, the younger apprentices woke to find a middle-aged dwarf doing their jobs. Confused by his presence, they nonetheless recognized him as a priest of the forge and fell in to help where they were needed.
So it was that when Thodi the Hammerhanded, Master Blacksmith of Gond entered his workshop, crumbs from his breakfast still in his braided beard, he found an extra set of hands already at work burnishing a nearly complete warhammer. A grunt of acknowledgment and a nod in the direction of his once and always apprentice and the Master set to work.
If the junior apprentices were surprised to see the Master start work on a new project they were careful not to show it. All day and late into the night the forge was alive with the sounds of hammer and tong, the hiss of quenching steel and the roar of the furnace. Radgar worked alongside his mentor, holding the tongs as Thodi worked metal into thin strips, polishing and oiling the pieces as they cooled, riveting them carefully in patterns on the heavy leather. The armor slowly took shape, each piece masterfully crafted and consecrated to Gond by both Radgar and Thodi himself.
A lovely suit, clearly intended for someone of status, someone of importance in town to command the full attention of forge Master. The armor hung on the stand, engraved with the runes of Thodi's forge, consecrating the very armor as an act of devotion to Gond. It was a perfect representation of all that Radgar believed in, the skill, the care, the attention to detail, the work of heat and hammer to shape the raw material of this world into something that useful. The armor's ability to mesh with other tools - liike the pauldrons and greaves he himself wore into battle or the helmet me made for himself at this very forge - reminded Radgar that we each had a place in this world but that we were always part of something larger, that we each needed to be aware of our place and our role and our duty. The polished finish, the carefully interwoven runes, the flourish of flames licking against the markings, of the perfectly imperfect hammer marks to remind the wearer of the beauty in everyday objects, of the power of the tools we used.
As the last bits of oil was applied and the incense wafted over the completed armor, a sense of peace washed over Radgar, as if he left go of a breath he didn't know he was even holding. His brother was home. Gundren was dead. His honor was restored. He had completed his duty to his family.
And yet, there was more to do. The city he left was in chaos and he had pledged to help the Guard in its hourof need as so many of them had helped him in freeing his brother. It was time to leave the forge behind once more and return to the world, to work to reshape it into something useful to please Gond. Hammer and fire were equally effective ways to shape cold iron or warm flesh if one had the will and the skill to weild them.
The reading left Danse equally mystified as it did energised - a mind perhaps too intelligent for its own ambition, Danse drew parallels between the cards and everything which could possibly offer a tantalising prospect at a lead towards Yargin; Danse was convinced every dwarf he met in passing was secretly responsible for Yargin’s disappearance; every friend he had was considered a traitor in waiting. Where many would struggle to make heads or tails of the reading, Danse relished in the paranoia awakened by the cards - and what little was there to besides chase every plausible lead?
In particular, the traitor card was too well-timed for Danse to ignore. It lined up perfectly with his view of Silas - and perhaps Danse was simply looking for an excuse to confront him directly. Rather than watch from afar, Danse will wait for an opportune moment to interrogate Silas in a more direct way; he will wait for a time where Silas is perhaps in a dark alleyway, away from most prying eyes - using his owl to scout the vicinity and ensure ‘backup’ is quite far away - before casually sidling up nearby, donning his usual grin and amicable demeanor. “Well, Silas - it seems we meet again. Now, I enjoy - as they say - cutting to the chase, quite literally in some cases…tell me, Silas, is what you said about Gaedren and your current involvement with him true?”
“What the hells man!?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Silas joked after turning around and seeing the performer behind him. It was early evening in the Korvosa and though there were still many people out and about, on this particular side street, Danse and Silas were the only ones on it for the time being. “That again? What, you don’t believe me anymore? I told you I didn’t know anything. And if you really wanted to ask, you could’ve just done it at the bar. Doing it here makes me think you’re going to ambush me or something!” he added with an easy smile. A smile that did not match his eyes; currently intense and staring directly into Danse’s. Before Danse could respond, he mentally heard Moroza share that someone was coming from behind down the street…
Fargrim:
You new life as a cook continues to progress well; and with your new responsibilities, Grandol decided to start paying you above and beyond staying for free in the Bear and Boar Pub (Fargrim gets 7gp for each week he works there from now on (including this week)!)
Randomly wandering through the city streets at night proved rather unfruitful for Fargrim. Nobody he reached out to had ever heard of Yargin and most of the stories revolving Blackjack were the simple myths and legends that everyone knew all too well.
On his way home after another unsuccessful night, Radgar spotted someone he recognized up ahead on a side street. Turning down it, he called out to them ashe had some information that he wanted to share…
Dance & Fargrim:
Worried it might be trouble, Danse momentarily turned around to see who it was approaching them from behind, only to find that it was Fargrim of all people coming towards him. As he processed all of this, he hesitated for a moment. That split second was all that was needed. For as soon as he saw an opening, Silas bolted away from the scene as fast as he could down the street and into the crowd at the next intersection!
Your scenes, for the time being are one and the same! Please let me know what you’re both doing.
Notes:
You're currently in the Heights District (generally considered the wealthiest District)
Silas has a head start, so he’s about 70-ish feet ahead of Danse and about 90-ish feet ahead of Fargrim. About 60 feet ahead of Danse, is the next intersection where light traffic is moving on the larger street.
Also note: with a Nat 1, I’m ruling that Fargrim inadvertently let Silas get away (or at least let him get a good head start).
Kaisaras smiled towards his little brother, chuckling at his brother's clear indication of distaste for the proceedings, "Well originally, father wished for you to join us, but I thought it would only be fair to offer you the choice of what you'd want to do. So, Marcus, do you want to come with us to the meeting, or would you rather attend Arcadia's training sessions with the guards in her place?" He could guess his brother's choice, but it was still only fair that he had the choice.
"Neither. Both sound utterly dreadful!" Marcus sighed out. "But I suppose Father will want me busy in some capacity so I will stay here and figure something out..." Knowing his brother, Kaisaras was pretty sure Marcus would "figure out" how to skip out on his responsibilities again; it would also most likely involve a girl or two somehow.
(The Next Day)
With Arcadia in tow, the two Ironwards made the short trip from their home in East Shore to Citadel Volshyenek: the home of the Korvosan Guard. Having been a few weeks since the worst of the riots had occurred, the security around the Citadel was not quite at the level Kaisaras had seen on his first trip to the base. That being said, there were still a decent amount of the Guard in and around the perimeter with many more stationed within. It was clear that the Guard were on constant standby, ready to move quickly should any disturbances rise up. As the Ironwards were shepherded inside towards the High Marshal’s office, they were both quickly able to sense that many of the Guards on duty appeared sleep deprived or rather haggard. Despite that though, they seemed for the most part to be in relatively good spirits, an improvement from the tenseness Kaisaras had seen earlier.
Eventually brought back into a familiar office, Kaisaras and Arcadia came face to face with the familiar face of High Marshal Cressida Kroft, looking as tired and run-down as the first time they had met. Standing casually behind her was Sergeant Alena Farima who gave them both a nod and a smile.
Lifting her head as the visitors walked in, the High Marshal, waved them both over to the available chairs before beginning to shuffle some papers off to the side. “Hello again. I see it’s already Fireday (Friday),” she sighed as she finished organizing her desk. “If I remember correctly, we’re supposed to discuss ways that the Guard and Brigade can better work together in the future? I’ve been thinking on some ideas and have a few thoughts…” she began as she eyed Arcadia, “But I would hear your thoughts first if that’s all right with you.”
Arcadia turned towards Kaisaras with a slightly raised eyebrow and a look of “all yours”…
Kurstin:
Irma stared at Kurstin's outstretched finger for a long moment as she pondered a choice in her head before tentatively extending her own pinky finger out in kind and completing the gesture. "Fine, I promise..." she began before pulling her hand back and looking down at the ground. Though she had been putting up a rather brave face since first finding her in Gaedren's lair, this was one of the first times since that she actually looked like what she was: a child. "It's the other lambs..." she eventually began. "Most of them weren't as lucky as I was to have a family looking for them. They're alone and need my help; and I'm the only one who can. I can't just leave them behind..."
Radgar:
As Radgar made his goodbyes to his family and clan, Dagnam - who had turned into a blubbering mess at the news - ran up to Radgar and cried out, "Why 're you leaving!?! We only just got home!?!?! What am I gonna do without you!?!?!?! What do I do now!?!?!?!?!"
Time for final goodbyes to family and Dagnam before heading back home (in the final week of downtime)
Kurstin nods and sits quietly for a moment, looking off into the yard. "I know, Irma. I feel the same way, especially now that I have you back." He leans against her and says, "So...what are we gonna do about it? My artificing creation could use a field test or two before the competition, I suppose..."
"If you really wanted to speak the truth, Silas, you would have said so on the bar," Danse pleasantly offered in response - he brought both scimitars from their scabbards and lazily swirled each in the air once, twice, thrice as a subtle method of intimidation. "Now, my friend, I am afraid the truth must be cut free in other ways."
Danse's speech, however, was cut off by the sound of a familiar Dwarf. The split-second in which Danse's focus momentarily wavered from Silas was also all Danse needed to reaffirm his views on Silas - fleeing in such a way was, according to Danse, an admittance of guilt. With the full force of Danse's obsessive passion for hunting down what remains of Gaedren, Danse knew precisely what his goal was. His mind flashed back to the cards revealed in the 'reading' he chanced on; now two cards fit in - The Betrayal and The Brass Dwarf. Only for a moment did he even process what 'The Survivor' could imply.
Danse gave a scar-marred smile towards Fargrim and bowed his usual performer's bow. "Greetings, Fargrim - care to join me in this wonderful chase?" he calmly spoke before turning heel and pursuing Silas.
The fervor with which his scimitars spin increased in an intricate dance of swordsmanship and bedazzling maneuvers! Bonus Action: Start a Bladesong! (movement speed increases by 10). Action: Dash after Silas, ideally entering his melee. With a surprising leap of agility, Danse quickly strode right next to Silas, scimitars barely visible with how quickly they blurred through the air. Danse smiled. "Going somewhere, Silas?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse & Fargrim:
In a blur of movement, Danse and his blades quickly closed the distance that Silas had made mere moments ago. Surprised that he had failed to getaway, Silas cursed and drew his longsword in a protective manner ready to fight the bladedancer off.
Initiative Time! If you beat his roll, feel free to post your round immediately.
Silas: 10
Kurstin:
"I don't know... How much food can you make..." Irma then goes on to explain the situation the other Lambs have currently found themselves in. After escaping from Gaedren's lair, many of them were caught up in the initial riots that took Korvosa by storm. A few of them (about 10) found another abandoned warehouse to hole up in during the worst of the chaos and have been staying there ever since. At first, they were able to survive by using the skills they learned as Lambs to steal food and whatever else they might've needed. But after a few weeks, without Gaedren and his lackey's "guidance" to make sure they didn't make mistakes - or at least more than one without taking a trip to meet Gobblegut - the remaining Lambs started to become a bit sloppy and noticed around the city. Now, becoming desperate that it's becoming more challenging to find food and survive, some of the older Lambs have started talking about doing something "more drastic" though Irma does not know what that means. She's helped a few time so far when she could but she's worried about what will happen to them if their situation doesn't improve soon...
Let me know how you want to proceed.
As a general reminder, it's late afternoon/ early evening and Kurstin's exam is tomorrow during the day
As he stood in the forge, wiping the oil from his hands and admiring the beautiful suit of armor his thoughts wandered back to the battle with Gundrun. That moment, that flash as he felt a connection to something more. That surge that drove him forward even as it looked as if the battle was turning against them. He wasn't sure what had happened in that moment, but he wanted to know more, he wanted to fund that connection again.
He went back to this fathers home to pack his things and say his good byes, it was time to get back on the road.
Sitting in Dagnam's room as the boy pled with him, Radgar smiled and chuckled, 'Aye boyyo, that's the way of things init'. Things don't stay the same for long, and just when you get settled, things change again.' patting the boy on the knee, he went on 'and as to what you'll do, you'll listen to Pa you will. He'll see to yer education and make sure you get set on the proper path. Things will be fine now, I'll check in on you from time to time to make sure, I will.'
Returning to his room to gather his gear he found his old chainmail replaced by the custom Splint Mail. As he marveled again at the workmanship, Master Thodi himself appeared in the door behind him. 'You've become quite the smith ye have, and this armor is a fine piece of work. I'm afeelin' you'll need it where yer headed to keep you walking in the light of the forge - or on the ridge of this world fer that matter.'
Clad in his new armor and freshly provisioned from his mother's own pantry, Radgar felt invigorated and refreshed, ready for the road back home.
Kaisaras had entered with Arcadia, offering a respectful nod towards the High Marshal and a flash of a smile towards Alena. Once they were seated and had heard out the Marshal, Kaisaras brought on his usual mask and nodded politely. He glanced towards his sister as she urged him to take the lead with her gaze. Mentally he couldn't help but roll his eyes at his sister, but he made an effort to hide it as he spoke towards the Marshal with a calm tone, "While our family and the Brigade are always eager to do our part for the city, we are also honored to work with the Guard who have long marshaled over the core of the city. If it were not for your efforts in the many years you've stood, or even in the events of less than a month prior, I'm certain that we wouldn't have had the freedom to build our own forces to the capability they are able to efficiently function today."
Kaisaras let his words breathe for a moment before continuing, "With that said, whilst we're happy to offer some relief to the Guard at current, especially with how thinly maned and spread you've been, we do not believe that the Guard would be happy to be...well, I do not think I need to explain how others would view us taking on your duties for an extended period of time. So beyond the immediate assistance to which we shall fulfill our duty to support as members of the city, I'd ask what it is you had in mind of both our family, and the Brigade."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative 20
Fargrim uses his movement to close the additional distance to Silas. "We just want to talk!" he yells. Fargrim swings his warhammer at Silas' legs hoping to trip him. Attack: 14 Damage: 6 If hits adds 1d8 superiority damage 6
If it hits, using Trip Attack Maneuver: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to knock the target down. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you knock the target prone. DC12
(If it doesn't hit, Fargrim will try again. Will post second attack separately if needed.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(I'm not sure what went wrong with my previous post. I'm reposting here)
Fargrim uses dash to move 50 feet. Second turn he’ll use Action surge to add a dash action to close the additional 40 feet.
Fargrim uses his movement to close the additional distance to Silas. "We just want to talk!" he yells. Fargrim swings his warhammer at Silas' legs hoping to trip him. Attack: 10 Damage: 5 If hits adds 1d8 superiority damage 2
If it hits, using Trip Attack Maneuver: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to knock the target down. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you knock the target prone. DC12
(If it doesn't hit, Fargrim will try again. Will post second attack separately if needed.)
Sprinting ahead after Danse, Fargrim quickly made up the distance between himself and Silas (The Harrowers seem to be a rather quick group); though moving as fast as he was, his aim was off and his hammer strike to the Half-Elf's knees just missed wide. Now finding himself outnumbered, Silas quickly scanned the area for an escape route or someway to help his chances. Not seeing much that could help him, he did the next "best" thing he could think of. Diving away from his pursuers, he lunged for the nearest person on the street - a young man about 15ft away - and took ahold of them, using them as a human shield against the Danse & Fargrim. "I think we all need to calm down and have a nice and easy conversation. That way no needs to get hurt or killed..." Silas began, doing his best to keep some space between himself and his attackers. A small crowd had formed around the three figures on the street, staring with mute horror and anticipation; and outside of the wind, it was deathly quiet...
Danse and Fargrim are up again! Each of you get an AoO against Silas before he grabs a hostage. (His AC is 16)
For the purposes of this, Silas has 1/2 cover due to using someone as a shield (So new AC is 18)
As a note, if you roll particularly low, you might end up hitting the hostage!
Kaisaras:
(Have to run out the door so I will get to your section later tonight or tomorrow!)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Predicting Silas to be a slippery one - most of Gaedren's followers fought dirty; though to be fair, so did Danse - the swordsman reached into his pocket and brought out three mundane, steel-tipped playing cards. Spreading them in a fan in his tattooed hands, he lashed out thrice with each magically-imbued card, landing three strikes as Silas's flesh is cut by the sheer speed each card is thrown!
War Caster: When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.
Danse throws three playing cards as Silas's back is exposed! Damage (Nonfatal, if possible): 9
Still weaving his scimitars in the air in some strange, unpredictable dance, Danse pursed his lips in a whistle - Moroza swooped down from above and harried Silas by raking her talons across his face before she flyby's up and out of reach, providing Danse with an easier time as he stepped forwards, gave a few feints, and finally slashed down with each scimitar in tandem!
Kurstin listens to his sister, impressed at the size of her heart and how, at only 10 or 11, she displays the skills to find and help these other lost ones. "Well, I'm no cook, and we're certainly not rich enough to take them all in and take care of them. But we shall do what we can to help them. You know, the big magical extravaganza is happening tomorrow...maybe if they come to the college they can score some food. But no valuables! Just some free food. After my exam and presentation is over we'll figure out a longer term solution. Maybe they can put their skills to better use and serve as the eyes and ears of the City Guard. It sure beats running from them! Can you get word to them tonight to hold on, lay low, and don't do anything stupid?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
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Fargrim practiced his cooking 20
"Damn, that's pretty good! Grandol, come try this." Fargrim held out a large wooden spoon with the beef braised in red wine with root vegetables from the cellar. It was quite good.
"You're coming along fella. Cooking can be the gateway to honor for those like you. Creating something that brings joy helps to make up for past misery. Next I'll teach you to make sausages and dried meat that you can take with you on your journeys."
Radgar's shoulders slumped as the door opened to Stonebreaker Hall. The warmth of the hearth, the smell of fresh-baked bread, the frothy mug of ale pushed into his hand. He was home. And Dagnam was safe. It was over.
The relief hit him hard. He managed to make his rounds, kiss his mother, visit with his sisters and make reverence to the shrine of the ancestors before sitting next to his father for the family meal. Nearly collapsing into the comfortable chair to his father's right, he barely remembered the meal or the constant stream of questions about where he'd been and what he'd seen before making his way to bed for the night. Collapsing onto the thin mat rolled out next to the forge, he felt the familiar warm heat wrap around him before darkness took him.
He slept hard for nearly twelve hours. Longer than he could remember sleeping since before his apprenticeship.
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse:
Card #1:
Card #2
Card #3
Fargrim:
Kaisaras:
I'll move us along to the meeting whenever you're ready to do so.
Kurstin:
Radgar:
After few days, it was time to say goodbye to the family and return back to Korvorsa. Though Janderhoff would always be home, there was unfinished business in Korvora that he had to take care of; he had made promises to the Guard after all.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Fargrim was pleased that his food had been accepted so well by the customers at the Boar and Bear. Grandol told him he wanted to make it a part of the menu and it needed a more catchy name than "Plate of Meat". Never far from Fargrim's mind was the thought of his girls so he immediately named his signature dish "Vistra's Amber Stew" He knew it was a sappy name but he was trying to stop bottling up his emotions lately and cooking had helped him with that. He was still learning and not everything came out right but Grandol would step in and salvage most of it. If something turned out really bad, Fargrim would save it for himself for dinner.
Cooking Check - 6
The rest of the week, is spent working at the Boar and Bear but now as a cook instead of the dishwasher. After the dinner rush he would clean himself up and wander the streets thinking about regrets. From time to time he would casually ask about Black Jack or Yargrin but he knew that he didn't have a knack for investigation. He was good at getting people to talk to him but not great at sniffing out info from nothing. If he saw Danse again, he would tell him what he had learned. Otherwise, he would worry about other things.
Investigation 16
Kaisaras smiled towards his little brother, chuckling at his brother's clear indication of distaste for the proceedings, "Well originally, father wished for you to join us, but I thought it would only be fair to offer you the choice of what you'd want to do. So, Marcus, do you want to come with us to the meeting, or would you rather attend Arcadia's training sessions with the guards in her place?" He could guess his brother's choice, but it was still only fair that he had the choice.
Once his conversation with his siblings had completed, Kaisaras would sort out his work again, before turning it in and waiting for the day of the meeting.
Insight: 3
Kurstin heard a slight inflection in his sister's voice...it helped that he was listening for it. He had been sneaking out at night for years now looking for her and having to cover for it. Especially when unpleasantness had ensued and he needed to lie in even more fervent manner than usual. So Kurstin knew the sound of a half-truth. But he also knew not to push it...Irma had been through a lot. So he merely replied, "I did miss you, punkin. And I know exactly what you mean about mom and dad...it's even worse now that you're back. Don't worry, sis, your secrets are safe with me. But can we agree to no secrets between us? You look out for me - I'll look out for you. Deal?" He held up his pinky finger to her in the way they had made promises as kids...
Persuasion: 11
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Radgar enjoyed the feasts and the feting, enjoyed seeing his family whole and happy, and loved seeing his younger brother begin to heal from his ordeal.
But his true love, the thing that brought him peace and joy, was the forge. He awoke early his first morning home, rising before the first sparks of dawn touched the sky to stoke the furnace and bring it back to life after its evening's slumber. The chore was a joy, a meditation, a reminder of his days as an apprentice and of the power that Gond brought into this fallen world. As he went about the mornings' rituals, lighting the braziers, oiling and anointing the implements, the younger apprentices woke to find a middle-aged dwarf doing their jobs. Confused by his presence, they nonetheless recognized him as a priest of the forge and fell in to help where they were needed.
So it was that when Thodi the Hammerhanded, Master Blacksmith of Gond entered his workshop, crumbs from his breakfast still in his braided beard, he found an extra set of hands already at work burnishing a nearly complete warhammer. A grunt of acknowledgment and a nod in the direction of his once and always apprentice and the Master set to work.
If the junior apprentices were surprised to see the Master start work on a new project they were careful not to show it. All day and late into the night the forge was alive with the sounds of hammer and tong, the hiss of quenching steel and the roar of the furnace. Radgar worked alongside his mentor, holding the tongs as Thodi worked metal into thin strips, polishing and oiling the pieces as they cooled, riveting them carefully in patterns on the heavy leather. The armor slowly took shape, each piece masterfully crafted and consecrated to Gond by both Radgar and Thodi himself.
A lovely suit, clearly intended for someone of status, someone of importance in town to command the full attention of forge Master. The armor hung on the stand, engraved with the runes of Thodi's forge, consecrating the very armor as an act of devotion to Gond. It was a perfect representation of all that Radgar believed in, the skill, the care, the attention to detail, the work of heat and hammer to shape the raw material of this world into something that useful. The armor's ability to mesh with other tools - liike the pauldrons and greaves he himself wore into battle or the helmet me made for himself at this very forge - reminded Radgar that we each had a place in this world but that we were always part of something larger, that we each needed to be aware of our place and our role and our duty. The polished finish, the carefully interwoven runes, the flourish of flames licking against the markings, of the perfectly imperfect hammer marks to remind the wearer of the beauty in everyday objects, of the power of the tools we used.
As the last bits of oil was applied and the incense wafted over the completed armor, a sense of peace washed over Radgar, as if he left go of a breath he didn't know he was even holding. His brother was home. Gundren was dead. His honor was restored. He had completed his duty to his family.
And yet, there was more to do. The city he left was in chaos and he had pledged to help the Guard in its hourof need as so many of them had helped him in freeing his brother. It was time to leave the forge behind once more and return to the world, to work to reshape it into something useful to please Gond. Hammer and fire were equally effective ways to shape cold iron or warm flesh if one had the will and the skill to weild them.
The reading left Danse equally mystified as it did energised - a mind perhaps too intelligent for its own ambition, Danse drew parallels between the cards and everything which could possibly offer a tantalising prospect at a lead towards Yargin; Danse was convinced every dwarf he met in passing was secretly responsible for Yargin’s disappearance; every friend he had was considered a traitor in waiting. Where many would struggle to make heads or tails of the reading, Danse relished in the paranoia awakened by the cards - and what little was there to besides chase every plausible lead?
In particular, the traitor card was too well-timed for Danse to ignore. It lined up perfectly with his view of Silas - and perhaps Danse was simply looking for an excuse to confront him directly. Rather than watch from afar, Danse will wait for an opportune moment to interrogate Silas in a more direct way; he will wait for a time where Silas is perhaps in a dark alleyway, away from most prying eyes - using his owl to scout the vicinity and ensure ‘backup’ is quite far away - before casually sidling up nearby, donning his usual grin and amicable demeanor. “Well, Silas - it seems we meet again. Now, I enjoy - as they say - cutting to the chase, quite literally in some cases…tell me, Silas, is what you said about Gaedren and your current involvement with him true?”
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse:
Fargrim:
You new life as a cook continues to progress well; and with your new responsibilities, Grandol decided to start paying you above and beyond staying for free in the Bear and Boar Pub (Fargrim gets 7gp for each week he works there from now on (including this week)!)
Randomly wandering through the city streets at night proved rather unfruitful for Fargrim. Nobody he reached out to had ever heard of Yargin and most of the stories revolving Blackjack were the simple myths and legends that everyone knew all too well.
On his way home after another unsuccessful night, Radgar spotted someone he recognized up ahead on a side street. Turning down it, he called out to them ashe had some information that he wanted to share…
Dance & Fargrim:
Your scenes, for the time being are one and the same! Please let me know what you’re both doing.
Kaisaras:
(The Next Day)
Kurstin:
Radgar:
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Kurstin nods and sits quietly for a moment, looking off into the yard. "I know, Irma. I feel the same way, especially now that I have you back." He leans against her and says, "So...what are we gonna do about it? My artificing creation could use a field test or two before the competition, I suppose..."
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
"If you really wanted to speak the truth, Silas, you would have said so on the bar," Danse pleasantly offered in response - he brought both scimitars from their scabbards and lazily swirled each in the air once, twice, thrice as a subtle method of intimidation. "Now, my friend, I am afraid the truth must be cut free in other ways."
Danse's speech, however, was cut off by the sound of a familiar Dwarf. The split-second in which Danse's focus momentarily wavered from Silas was also all Danse needed to reaffirm his views on Silas - fleeing in such a way was, according to Danse, an admittance of guilt. With the full force of Danse's obsessive passion for hunting down what remains of Gaedren, Danse knew precisely what his goal was. His mind flashed back to the cards revealed in the 'reading' he chanced on; now two cards fit in - The Betrayal and The Brass Dwarf. Only for a moment did he even process what 'The Survivor' could imply.
Danse gave a scar-marred smile towards Fargrim and bowed his usual performer's bow. "Greetings, Fargrim - care to join me in this wonderful chase?" he calmly spoke before turning heel and pursuing Silas.
The fervor with which his scimitars spin increased in an intricate dance of swordsmanship and bedazzling maneuvers!
Bonus Action: Start a Bladesong! (movement speed increases by 10).
Action: Dash after Silas, ideally entering his melee. With a surprising leap of agility, Danse quickly strode right next to Silas, scimitars barely visible with how quickly they blurred through the air. Danse smiled. "Going somewhere, Silas?"
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse & Fargrim:
Kurstin:
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Danse initiative! 8
As he stood in the forge, wiping the oil from his hands and admiring the beautiful suit of armor his thoughts wandered back to the battle with Gundrun. That moment, that flash as he felt a connection to something more. That surge that drove him forward even as it looked as if the battle was turning against them. He wasn't sure what had happened in that moment, but he wanted to know more, he wanted to fund that connection again.
He went back to this fathers home to pack his things and say his good byes, it was time to get back on the road.
Sitting in Dagnam's room as the boy pled with him, Radgar smiled and chuckled, 'Aye boyyo, that's the way of things init'. Things don't stay the same for long, and just when you get settled, things change again.' patting the boy on the knee, he went on 'and as to what you'll do, you'll listen to Pa you will. He'll see to yer education and make sure you get set on the proper path. Things will be fine now, I'll check in on you from time to time to make sure, I will.'
Returning to his room to gather his gear he found his old chainmail replaced by the custom Splint Mail. As he marveled again at the workmanship, Master Thodi himself appeared in the door behind him. 'You've become quite the smith ye have, and this armor is a fine piece of work. I'm afeelin' you'll need it where yer headed to keep you walking in the light of the forge - or on the ridge of this world fer that matter.'
Clad in his new armor and freshly provisioned from his mother's own pantry, Radgar felt invigorated and refreshed, ready for the road back home.
Kaisaras had entered with Arcadia, offering a respectful nod towards the High Marshal and a flash of a smile towards Alena. Once they were seated and had heard out the Marshal, Kaisaras brought on his usual mask and nodded politely. He glanced towards his sister as she urged him to take the lead with her gaze. Mentally he couldn't help but roll his eyes at his sister, but he made an effort to hide it as he spoke towards the Marshal with a calm tone, "While our family and the Brigade are always eager to do our part for the city, we are also honored to work with the Guard who have long marshaled over the core of the city. If it were not for your efforts in the many years you've stood, or even in the events of less than a month prior, I'm certain that we wouldn't have had the freedom to build our own forces to the capability they are able to efficiently function today."
Kaisaras let his words breathe for a moment before continuing, "With that said, whilst we're happy to offer some relief to the Guard at current, especially with how thinly maned and spread you've been, we do not believe that the Guard would be happy to be...well, I do not think I need to explain how others would view us taking on your duties for an extended period of time. So beyond the immediate assistance to which we shall fulfill our duty to support as members of the city, I'd ask what it is you had in mind of both our family, and the Brigade."
Initiative 20
Fargrim uses his movement to close the additional distance to Silas. "We just want to talk!" he yells. Fargrim swings his warhammer at Silas' legs hoping to trip him. Attack: 14 Damage: 6 If hits adds 1d8 superiority damage 6
If it hits, using Trip Attack Maneuver: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to knock the target down. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you knock the target prone. DC12
(If it doesn't hit, Fargrim will try again. Will post second attack separately if needed.)
(I'm not sure what went wrong with my previous post. I'm reposting here)
Fargrim uses dash to move 50 feet. Second turn he’ll use Action surge to add a dash action to close the additional 40 feet.
Fargrim uses his movement to close the additional distance to Silas. "We just want to talk!" he yells. Fargrim swings his warhammer at Silas' legs hoping to trip him. Attack: 10 Damage: 5 If hits adds 1d8 superiority damage 2
If it hits, using Trip Attack Maneuver: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to knock the target down. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you knock the target prone. DC12
(If it doesn't hit, Fargrim will try again. Will post second attack separately if needed.)
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Danse & Fargrim:
Kaisaras:
Radgar:
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Predicting Silas to be a slippery one - most of Gaedren's followers fought dirty; though to be fair, so did Danse - the swordsman reached into his pocket and brought out three mundane, steel-tipped playing cards. Spreading them in a fan in his tattooed hands, he lashed out thrice with each magically-imbued card, landing three strikes as Silas's flesh is cut by the sheer speed each card is thrown!
Danse throws three playing cards as Silas's back is exposed! Damage (Nonfatal, if possible): 9
Still weaving his scimitars in the air in some strange, unpredictable dance, Danse pursed his lips in a whistle - Moroza swooped down from above and harried Silas by raking her talons across his face before she flyby's up and out of reach, providing Danse with an easier time as he stepped forwards, gave a few feints, and finally slashed down with each scimitar in tandem!
Action - nonfatal Scimitar Attack: 22 Damage: 7
Bonus Action - nonfatal TWF Scimitar Attack: 17 Damage: 4
Kurstin listens to his sister, impressed at the size of her heart and how, at only 10 or 11, she displays the skills to find and help these other lost ones. "Well, I'm no cook, and we're certainly not rich enough to take them all in and take care of them. But we shall do what we can to help them. You know, the big magical extravaganza is happening tomorrow...maybe if they come to the college they can score some food. But no valuables! Just some free food. After my exam and presentation is over we'll figure out a longer term solution. Maybe they can put their skills to better use and serve as the eyes and ears of the City Guard. It sure beats running from them! Can you get word to them tonight to hold on, lay low, and don't do anything stupid?"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?