This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ash and Korrik are able to sneak off separately as well as meet up together in a few different spots without getting noticed in any awkward or suspicious places. Ash being very light on her feet is able to scoot down longer hallways and avoid some of the mansion staff, and Korrik is able to use his smaller frame to hide a few times on some guards who were doing some rounds inside the mansion which is common for them especially during Gellan's parties.
Korrik, you don't notice anything out of the ordinary. It's a very big place, and you notice all of the kind of 'standard rooms' that a mansion has. Gellan sure does well for himself here in this town.
Ash, same with you. Perhaps if you had more time you'd be able to check more sections of the place, but on your initial casing you don't really notice anything out of the ordinary in a mansion as large as this. The man is indeed rich though.
Ben, Gellan would respond about the quest to the Dreadwood "Alas, I'm betting that'll be a lost cause." and his guests would say "GELLAN! Come on, have some decency for the poor soul!" but then they'd laugh a bit as well. One of the guests would explain that most if not all kidnappings by bandits who take their victims to the dreadwood don't come back, or are found dead. Gellan would say "I'm telling you, it's a waste of these folks expertise."Gellan would leave the explaining of the Dreadwood forest details to Eliander (Gellan hasn't been there himself), but his guests would give you one piece of advice. "Don't go! Ha ha ha ha!"as they drink more wine.
Ess smiles but even he thinks these people are low. dude... what if it was your family member... not cool, bros he thinks to himself as the party continues. pretentious forks. he mutters to himself.
Ben, Gellan and his friends would say that the sahuagin have never been a problem to date other than the odd random raid attempt. This is normal considering raid attempts sometimes occur here in Marshswamp from many different races, sahuagin being one of them. Lizardfolk being another. So nothing out of the ordinary. Gellan or any of the friends have actually seen a sahuagin, either.
Gellan responds about the smuggling rings "NO! No. None. The heroes of Marshswamp have rid the town of the smugglers. Now, we focus on the sahuagin. Yes! Cheers to that!"and he drinks with his friends.
Ben, you probably get a few requests from the guests (no need to roll, we can wrap those up with your previous roll, and the guests enjoy them). Ess makes some small talk but is still annoyed at the Dreadwood thing from earlier.
Ash, given that you are a hero of Marshswamp, and have buttered Gellan up, AND he's feeling tipsy from the wine and general mood of the evening along with your roll, yes Gellan is up for giving you a tour."Sshhhheeaaaaaaaaa what the heck, Ash! You're going to just luuuuuuuv the place!" and he gives you the tour. During the tour, you didn't pick up on anything new since your initial casing, and you noticed that Gellan took you to basically all locations in the mansion. He thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his place, he even showed you his room..... and he flirted a bit as well in his room with you. I mean, and this is all in GELLAN's mind... but Ash DID ask for a tour, and Gellan has been drinking, and Ash is dressed up.. (oh boy, can't believe I'm going here. I hope it's ok everyone. If not please let me know and we will omit this bit) Gellan leans close to Ash and whispers"Ash... wanna get weird? Won't take long."
Gellan flirt CHA check:14
Ash, the only place Gellan didn't show you was the cellar, which you only picked up on because you remember it from when you were entering the mansion:
The mansion is one of the very few in the entire village to have a cellar, which was meticulously crafted to prevent water from entering, being this close to the sea.
Ben, all of the guests are happy to engage you in conversation, very impressed with how you present yourself and how articulate you are.
Ash comes in real close, “Mister Gellan! You’re incorrigible!! Ahahah…”, She steps away and looks back at him with her big eyes, chin down, all eyes… “ *NOT*… before you’ve taken me out on a date! That’s for sure!…”.
”We’ll be out of town for a few days on business, but maybe when I’m back?…. … hmmmm (puuur) … Until then, you’ll just have to… well I couldn’t possibly say!”. Chin up, resolute, she gives him an ambiguous slow feline blink (at the same time, he probably wouldn’t notice the flick… flick… of her predator’s tail).
She walks back to the main party from there, adding a little more swagger to her walk for him to enjoy as she leaves.
((Of Korrik is at large while Gellan is showing Ash the place, he'll stay out of sight, but when Gellan starts hitting on her, a painting appears on the wall behind Gellan, so only she can see. It crudely depicts Korrik conking Gellan with a staff, with a question mark next to it.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ash stifles a grin when she notices the painting. She appreciates the gesture, but Korrik will know when she needs ‘rescuing’… ((it’ll probably involve seeing her stabbing someone repeatedly, lol))
"The work of a hero is never done. You'd be surprised what our expertise can provide in terms of a kidnapped person's survival."
He does chuckle along with them, he doesn't particularly care about the victim but they do add to the group image and give them an excuse to go find some bandits to kill.
Regarding the smuggling,
"The sahuagin are clearly more pressing than any supposed smugglers!"
He smiles in agreement.
((Ben is otherwise ready to, very politely, roll once the other two get back from their scouting and flirting!
Oh, and did we get an idea on the weapons from the blacksmith?))
Ash seems to have things well in hand, and if Gellan gets out of hand, he's likely to be short a hand. Kay slips back to the dinner, sidling in next to Ess and applauding when Ben finishes whatever he's doing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ash, Gellan responds "Ah! Pardon me, I should've known better given a lady of such... class. Such ladies of your class are rare in this town. Believe me, I know. hahahahaha!! Ok Ash, Lady of Marshswamp, a date it shall be then, upon your return!"
He does take a long stare at her as she leaves the room. He follows a few minutes later and rejoins the party.
Ben, Gellan and guests would continue to laugh about the Dreadwood forest captive bit. "Waste of time!" Regarding the smuggling, Gellan would respond "Well exactly. We need you to focus all your efforts on the sahuagin. I will let you know should there be any other news of smugglers. Anyhow, I shall leave the sahuagin bit to Eliander. I believe he's meeting with the lizardfolk over the next few days. Anyhow, cheers to good health and happiness, everyone!"and he cheers his friends and the rest of the party.
Ess almost spits out his wine and responds to Kay"BAHAHA Shhhyeeaahh, totally dude!! bahahaha!"
Blacksmith:
(about the blacksmith - Ben would have checked with them if there was time before the dinner or alternatively the next day. He is just seeing what they have in stock and how much they could produce in a couple weeks. He'll vaguely imply it is for the upcoming conflict rumors have been mentioning and checking the town's readiness.)
The blacksmith has indeed heard the rumors of the potential upcoming conflict, and so they give you all of the information you're looking for. Although they haven't been contacted directly by council yet about any orders.
If you recall, it's owned by two humans. A mother and son, Mafera and Jasker on the NPC tab. Their primary business is hooks, nails, harpoons, knives, fishing weights, etc. although they do forge weapons and armor, mostly for the town guard.
They craft studded leather armor (Kester's leather goods, where you sold the croc and snakeskin to, makes the base leather armor itself, and the blacksmiths finish it off with the studs. The blacksmith sells the armor and gives a cut to the Kester). This armor is the standard armor of the town guard.
They also craft chainmail armor, short and longswords and heavy crossbows specifically for the higher ranked soldiers and the horseback guards. They could also likely craft shields but don't normally.
Currently, they only keep a few of each items on hand should the guard need it. They don't normally sell these items to the public hence why the small stock. They anticipate having to manufacture more for the upcoming conflict. It's just the two of them working. They usually can craft 1-2 sets of armor plus a few swords per week (and are actually worried about having to work overtime should council need more weapons. They may even need to call on the dwarven mining contingent in town for help.)
Current Stock:
5 studded leather armor
3 chainmail armor
5 short swords
3 longswords
2 heavy crossbows
So - that should wrap up the dinner party, right? Will you now head back to the Line to sleep, and then report to Eliander at council hall (or wherever Eliander might be) the next morning?
Ben gives Ess a warning look to keep it under control, then an apologetic look to the other guests.
---
((Okay, Ben would definitely encourage the blacksmiths to prioritize the weapons, short and long swords in particular. Suggesting that they'll potentially need,
"at minimum, 10 times what they currently have if things get serious!"))
After the party, in private, Ash will divulge her plan to Ben and the others, “Ben?!… How do you fancy being a Tabaxi woman for an evening?! Haha!…”.
”I’ve managed to secure a date with Gellan!…”.
”if we can get you some good duisguise magic… or that hat you’re always going on about… you could take my place! And Kay and I could break in to his house, while he’s out with you!…”.
”When he gave me ‘The Tour’, he deliberately avoided the basement. Strange, as it’s the only one in the village. I think he’s hiding something down there. We’ll break in and take a look!!”.
She looks at everyone, like it’s a plan with no drawbacks. She couldn’t be more chuffed with herself!
Ben raises an eyebrow at the start of Ash's plan but nods along as she offers more.
"I've disguised myself as far stranger things. If we plan it well enough we can do it without any additional magic, unless he touches me. He'll immediately feel through the illusion. Also, he is a bit old for my tastes."
He looks in the direction of Gellan's house and wonders aloud,
"But would he really keep his entire smuggling operation in his own basement? Worth checking either way. I imagine it will be a nice dinner."
((Can Ben have swung by Kester's tannery and check how much leather armor she had on hand, giving the same reasons as at the blacksmiths if questioned.))
“I get the feeling he likes things ‘classy’… You can always rebuff any advances to touch you, with: ‘not until our second date’, or similar!… Ha! Also, you can have this dress for the night! So it’ll only be your face and hands that will give you away, to touch! I wonder if we can get some fur gloves that would fool a casual touch from a drunk?! hahaha ha!….”. Ash is enjoying this.
“Hells, wear a hat and a thin veil if you want! For real and matching in the illusion! Ahah… say it’s the Tabaxi way!.. hehe he”. She is properly tickling herself with all this. Eyes closed, rocking back. Ahhh…
Ben, about the blacksmith, the mother looks at you with wide eyes "10 times??!! This is preposterous. Not possible. I will need to talk to Eliander about this! HUMPH!"and the mother walks back into the shop and the son says "ahem, don't worry about my mom. If you think we might need 10 times more I will see if I can get some help. Either way it's going to take some time though. As for now we will prioritize the swords. Oh, do me a favor and get Eliander to approve it, yeah? Er... I mean I trust you and all, it's just my mom. She'll feel better once she hears it from Eliander and after she takes some time for herself. Anyhow, you have a good day, Ben."
Ben, at the tannery, Kester would've said "That is a great point about the potential upcoming conflict. I shall get a head start on this. War does make for a profitable time, yes Ben?!" (she takes your word for it and doesn't mentioning confirming this stuff with Eliander. You are on very good terms with her after the sale of the croc and snake skins and she trusts you 100%.)
Kester has 7 sets of leather armor currently on hand.
Bimz would've been very content the entire evening. If Ben would've let him, he would remain perched on Ben's shoulder while he was performing, just as happy as can be.
OK so after the dinner party, you all retire to the Line into your own rooms. Before that though, Ess would barely be able to contain his laughter when Ash tells what happened with Gellen and also suggests her plan that Ben disguise himself as Ash. And he full blown breaks out into laughter (he's been drinking, remember) when Ben says the 'as long as he doesn't touch me' bit. "BAAAHAHAHAHAHA! Dude! He's going to FOR SURE try and touch you! Did you not hear Ash? Seems the dude wants her pretty bad right?! Wish I could be a fly in the room when that goes down! Ha!"Ess doesn't really think anything of the whole cellar bit and thinks you are all probably reaching for nothing here thinking Gellan might be a smuggler but he doesn't say anything. thedudes just a rich horny creep, that's all he thinks to himself.
Ben, your crumpled up failed silk ownership forgery attempt burns quickly in the fire. (thanks for keeping track of the 50%. Damn, He's not having much luck with that!)
Back at the line, the one who Hanna put in charge greets you and offers you a nightcap and a snack if there's any takers. Ess would get some cake. "What??! I've got the munchies, bros! I'll catch ya's all tomorrow morning my homies. That was a sick party!*burp*"
Alliance formed + 4 / 8:30AM / The Snapping Line Inn & The Council Hall
In the morning during breakfast, Ben you notice Hanna isn't back yet. The person who is in charge says he is expecting her back today at some point but isn't sure of the time.
You leave the Line and then report to the council hall as planned.
An employee of the council hall says "Ah! The heroes of Marshswamp. Please, Eliander is expecting you. I trust you know where his office is, yes?"and he gets closer to you all "oh, heads up. He's in a mood." and the worker grins at you and leaves.
Eliander, Eda, Manistrad, Anders and Skerrin (who is Anders butler that sometimes helps Anders at work) are present in council today. Each of them are in their own respective offices, and they all look quite busy.
Gellen is nowhere to be found.
(all these people are in our NPC tab)
As you walk to Eliander's office, you notice it's very busy in here today. There is a maintenance crew onsite doing repairs to the building. This is causing some background noise. Given all of your passive perceptions, Ash you are able to pick up on the following things as you walk to Eliander's office:
Eda's door is shut, but you hear she is talking to someone and you hear her say "starting to be an embarrassment to the traditionalists!"and then muffled speech, muffled speech, and then "didn't even show up today!"muffled speech muffled speech"party no doubt" and then the rest is muffled.
Manistrad is talking to a dwarf sitting at her desk in dwarven so you don't understand it but it looks like they are about to go somewhere.
Anders and Skerrin are talking something about smugglers. You don't hear anything other than the word "smugglers"woven between muffled speech.
(the rest of you only hear the maintenance crew doing their repairs as you walk)
When you get to Eliander's office, he seems a mess. He looks like he hasn't slept all night. He's fumbling around with some papers, and you've never really seen him like this. He's always seemed... together until now.
He says "AH! THERE YOU ALL ARE! It's about bloody ti... ahem, ahh, sorry. I apologize. It's just... well, it's shaping up to be a hell of a day. Hell of a month! I have to prepare for whatever the heck awaits us with the Lizardfolk and their blasted war. I suppose it'll be our war now... We meet with the Queen tomorrow to hammer out the details. Weapons! We will need weapons! I shall speak with Mafera and Jasker later. AH! I'm rambling...."
He takes a breath and gets himself together.
"Sorry. It's been a long day and it isn't even noon yet. Listen. I got word this morning via our patrol group who just returned from the Dreadwood that the captive I told you about is dead. I didn't tell you the details yesterday, but it was a child. A young lad from here in town. Bandits snatched him up and took off with the poor soul. Our patrol group who we sent out a few days ago returned early this morning and had found his body in the outer fringe of the Dreadwood. We confirmed it all with the parents this morning. A real tragedy. Bandits probably got word the parents were not the richest of folk and so never bothered with the ransom. Happens more frequently than I'd like it to, I'm sorry to say."
He looks down, genuinely sad about the entire thing, and then after a few moments, he wipes some *dirt* from his eye and says:
"ahem... Anyhow, I have something else for you. Should you be interested, of course. I've got no time to look into this myself with the Lizardfolk meeting happening tomorrow and thought I'd ask you given what has happened with the child."
"There's a chap named Aubreck, lives in one of the mansions just down the road from here." Eliander shows you on the map where he lives. "Guy has been at me for days about some ship he lost years ago, and now it's back, or something along those lines? Not even sure how someone looses a ship anyhow?? BAH! There's so much going on these days I can't tell up from down. Anyhow I don't know details but I was hoping you could all go see him? You can represent town council on my behalf. It could be nothing but he's been trying to reach me for days and I've been so busy with this sahuagin thing I've just not had the time. The guy even came by this morning so I know he will be home. Would you mind?"
"Oh, apparently the ship he lost is named the 'Wave Widow'. Won't stop talking about it."
He looks at you all and kind of assumes you're just going to go see Aubreck now. "Thank you. I will let you know once our meeting with the Lizardfolk takes place and will provide you all with details."
He kind of gives you a dismissing look as he fumbles around with more of his papers.
Ash and Korrik are able to sneak off separately as well as meet up together in a few different spots without getting noticed in any awkward or suspicious places. Ash being very light on her feet is able to scoot down longer hallways and avoid some of the mansion staff, and Korrik is able to use his smaller frame to hide a few times on some guards who were doing some rounds inside the mansion which is common for them especially during Gellan's parties.
Korrik, you don't notice anything out of the ordinary. It's a very big place, and you notice all of the kind of 'standard rooms' that a mansion has. Gellan sure does well for himself here in this town.
Ash, same with you. Perhaps if you had more time you'd be able to check more sections of the place, but on your initial casing you don't really notice anything out of the ordinary in a mansion as large as this. The man is indeed rich though.
Ben, Gellan would respond about the quest to the Dreadwood "Alas, I'm betting that'll be a lost cause." and his guests would say "GELLAN! Come on, have some decency for the poor soul!" but then they'd laugh a bit as well. One of the guests would explain that most if not all kidnappings by bandits who take their victims to the dreadwood don't come back, or are found dead. Gellan would say "I'm telling you, it's a waste of these folks expertise." Gellan would leave the explaining of the Dreadwood forest details to Eliander (Gellan hasn't been there himself), but his guests would give you one piece of advice. "Don't go! Ha ha ha ha!" as they drink more wine.
Ess smiles but even he thinks these people are low. dude... what if it was your family member... not cool, bros he thinks to himself as the party continues. pretentious forks. he mutters to himself.
Ben, Gellan and his friends would say that the sahuagin have never been a problem to date other than the odd random raid attempt. This is normal considering raid attempts sometimes occur here in Marshswamp from many different races, sahuagin being one of them. Lizardfolk being another. So nothing out of the ordinary. Gellan or any of the friends have actually seen a sahuagin, either.
Gellan responds about the smuggling rings "NO! No. None. The heroes of Marshswamp have rid the town of the smugglers. Now, we focus on the sahuagin. Yes! Cheers to that!" and he drinks with his friends.
Ben, you probably get a few requests from the guests (no need to roll, we can wrap those up with your previous roll, and the guests enjoy them). Ess makes some small talk but is still annoyed at the Dreadwood thing from earlier.
Ash, given that you are a hero of Marshswamp, and have buttered Gellan up, AND he's feeling tipsy from the wine and general mood of the evening along with your roll, yes Gellan is up for giving you a tour. "Sshhhheeaaaaaaaaa what the heck, Ash! You're going to just luuuuuuuv the place!" and he gives you the tour. During the tour, you didn't pick up on anything new since your initial casing, and you noticed that Gellan took you to basically all locations in the mansion. He thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his place, he even showed you his room..... and he flirted a bit as well in his room with you. I mean, and this is all in GELLAN's mind... but Ash DID ask for a tour, and Gellan has been drinking, and Ash is dressed up.. (oh boy, can't believe I'm going here. I hope it's ok everyone. If not please let me know and we will omit this bit) Gellan leans close to Ash and whispers "Ash... wanna get weird? Won't take long."
Gellan flirt CHA check: 14
Ash, the only place Gellan didn't show you was the cellar, which you only picked up on because you remember it from when you were entering the mansion:
The mansion is one of the very few in the entire village to have a cellar, which was meticulously crafted to prevent water from entering, being this close to the sea.
Ben, all of the guests are happy to engage you in conversation, very impressed with how you present yourself and how articulate you are.
Over to you all!!
Ash comes in real close, “Mister Gellan! You’re incorrigible!! Ahahah…”, She steps away and looks back at him with her big eyes, chin down, all eyes… “ *NOT*… before you’ve taken me out on a date! That’s for sure!…”.
”We’ll be out of town for a few days on business, but maybe when I’m back?…. … hmmmm (puuur) … Until then, you’ll just have to… well I couldn’t possibly say!”. Chin up, resolute, she gives him an ambiguous slow feline blink (at the same time, he probably wouldn’t notice the flick… flick… of her predator’s tail).
She walks back to the main party from there, adding a little more swagger to her walk for him to enjoy as she leaves.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((Of Korrik is at large while Gellan is showing Ash the place, he'll stay out of sight, but when Gellan starts hitting on her, a painting appears on the wall behind Gellan, so only she can see. It crudely depicts Korrik conking Gellan with a staff, with a question mark next to it.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ash stifles a grin when she notices the painting. She appreciates the gesture, but Korrik will know when she needs ‘rescuing’… ((it’ll probably involve seeing her stabbing someone repeatedly, lol))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
To the not going into the forest,
"The work of a hero is never done. You'd be surprised what our expertise can provide in terms of a kidnapped person's survival."
He does chuckle along with them, he doesn't particularly care about the victim but they do add to the group image and give them an excuse to go find some bandits to kill.
Regarding the smuggling,
"The sahuagin are clearly more pressing than any supposed smugglers!"
He smiles in agreement.
((Ben is otherwise ready to, very politely, roll once the other two get back from their scouting and flirting!
Oh, and did we get an idea on the weapons from the blacksmith?))
Ash seems to have things well in hand, and if Gellan gets out of hand, he's likely to be short a hand. Kay slips back to the dinner, sidling in next to Ess and applauding when Ben finishes whatever he's doing.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben gives Kay an odd look after the little man applaudes Ben's finishing a glass of wine.
Kay whispers to Ess, "sometimes his nose gets so high in the air I worry he might down himself just trying to drink!"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ash, Gellan responds "Ah! Pardon me, I should've known better given a lady of such... class. Such ladies of your class are rare in this town. Believe me, I know. hahahahaha!! Ok Ash, Lady of Marshswamp, a date it shall be then, upon your return!"
He does take a long stare at her as she leaves the room. He follows a few minutes later and rejoins the party.
Ben, Gellan and guests would continue to laugh about the Dreadwood forest captive bit. "Waste of time!" Regarding the smuggling, Gellan would respond "Well exactly. We need you to focus all your efforts on the sahuagin. I will let you know should there be any other news of smugglers. Anyhow, I shall leave the sahuagin bit to Eliander. I believe he's meeting with the lizardfolk over the next few days. Anyhow, cheers to good health and happiness, everyone!" and he cheers his friends and the rest of the party.
Ess almost spits out his wine and responds to Kay "BAHAHA Shhhyeeaahh, totally dude!! bahahaha!"
Blacksmith:
(about the blacksmith - Ben would have checked with them if there was time before the dinner or alternatively the next day. He is just seeing what they have in stock and how much they could produce in a couple weeks. He'll vaguely imply it is for the upcoming conflict rumors have been mentioning and checking the town's readiness.)
The blacksmith has indeed heard the rumors of the potential upcoming conflict, and so they give you all of the information you're looking for. Although they haven't been contacted directly by council yet about any orders.
If you recall, it's owned by two humans. A mother and son, Mafera and Jasker on the NPC tab. Their primary business is hooks, nails, harpoons, knives, fishing weights, etc. although they do forge weapons and armor, mostly for the town guard.
They craft studded leather armor (Kester's leather goods, where you sold the croc and snakeskin to, makes the base leather armor itself, and the blacksmiths finish it off with the studs. The blacksmith sells the armor and gives a cut to the Kester). This armor is the standard armor of the town guard.
They also craft chainmail armor, short and longswords and heavy crossbows specifically for the higher ranked soldiers and the horseback guards. They could also likely craft shields but don't normally.
Currently, they only keep a few of each items on hand should the guard need it. They don't normally sell these items to the public hence why the small stock. They anticipate having to manufacture more for the upcoming conflict. It's just the two of them working. They usually can craft 1-2 sets of armor plus a few swords per week (and are actually worried about having to work overtime should council need more weapons. They may even need to call on the dwarven mining contingent in town for help.)
Current Stock:
5 studded leather armor
3 chainmail armor
5 short swords
3 longswords
2 heavy crossbows
So - that should wrap up the dinner party, right? Will you now head back to the Line to sleep, and then report to Eliander at council hall (or wherever Eliander might be) the next morning?
((I think that sounds good to me!))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((Yep, on to tomorrow! I'll need to look what we want to request from the blacksmith. Probably going to urge them to get cracking either way!))
Ben gives Ess a warning look to keep it under control, then an apologetic look to the other guests.
---
((Okay, Ben would definitely encourage the blacksmiths to prioritize the weapons, short and long swords in particular. Suggesting that they'll potentially need,
"at minimum, 10 times what they currently have if things get serious!"))
After the party, in private, Ash will divulge her plan to Ben and the others, “Ben?!… How do you fancy being a Tabaxi woman for an evening?! Haha!…”.
”I’ve managed to secure a date with Gellan!…”.
”if we can get you some good duisguise magic… or that hat you’re always going on about… you could take my place! And Kay and I could break in to his house, while he’s out with you!…”.
”When he gave me ‘The Tour’, he deliberately avoided the basement. Strange, as it’s the only one in the village. I think he’s hiding something down there. We’ll break in and take a look!!”.
She looks at everyone, like it’s a plan with no drawbacks. She couldn’t be more chuffed with herself!
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ben raises an eyebrow at the start of Ash's plan but nods along as she offers more.
"I've disguised myself as far stranger things. If we plan it well enough we can do it without any additional magic, unless he touches me. He'll immediately feel through the illusion. Also, he is a bit old for my tastes."
He looks in the direction of Gellan's house and wonders aloud,
"But would he really keep his entire smuggling operation in his own basement? Worth checking either way. I imagine it will be a nice dinner."
((Can Ben have swung by Kester's tannery and check how much leather armor she had on hand, giving the same reasons as at the blacksmiths if questioned.))
And, before hitting the sack that night, he would have given that gods forsaken silks document another forgery attempt (with enhanced ability).
Forgery: 15
After spelling the first word wrong he crumples it up with a curse and tosses in the fire and goes to bed.
(Kit down to 50%)
“I get the feeling he likes things ‘classy’… You can always rebuff any advances to touch you, with: ‘not until our second date’, or similar!… Ha! Also, you can have this dress for the night! So it’ll only be your face and hands that will give you away, to touch! I wonder if we can get some fur gloves that would fool a casual touch from a drunk?! hahaha ha!….”. Ash is enjoying this.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
“Hells, wear a hat and a thin veil if you want! For real and matching in the illusion! Ahah… say it’s the Tabaxi way!.. hehe he”. She is properly tickling herself with all this. Eyes closed, rocking back. Ahhh…
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ben eyes the dress for fit.
"Maybe..."
"Ash, promise... promise you won't be upset if Ben fills that dress out better than you do...", Kay says, barely holding it together.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben, about the blacksmith, the mother looks at you with wide eyes "10 times??!! This is preposterous. Not possible. I will need to talk to Eliander about this! HUMPH!" and the mother walks back into the shop and the son says "ahem, don't worry about my mom. If you think we might need 10 times more I will see if I can get some help. Either way it's going to take some time though. As for now we will prioritize the swords. Oh, do me a favor and get Eliander to approve it, yeah? Er... I mean I trust you and all, it's just my mom. She'll feel better once she hears it from Eliander and after she takes some time for herself. Anyhow, you have a good day, Ben."
Ben, at the tannery, Kester would've said "That is a great point about the potential upcoming conflict. I shall get a head start on this. War does make for a profitable time, yes Ben?!" (she takes your word for it and doesn't mentioning confirming this stuff with Eliander. You are on very good terms with her after the sale of the croc and snake skins and she trusts you 100%.)
Kester has 7 sets of leather armor currently on hand.
Bimz would've been very content the entire evening. If Ben would've let him, he would remain perched on Ben's shoulder while he was performing, just as happy as can be.
OK so after the dinner party, you all retire to the Line into your own rooms. Before that though, Ess would barely be able to contain his laughter when Ash tells what happened with Gellen and also suggests her plan that Ben disguise himself as Ash. And he full blown breaks out into laughter (he's been drinking, remember) when Ben says the 'as long as he doesn't touch me' bit. "BAAAHAHAHAHAHA! Dude! He's going to FOR SURE try and touch you! Did you not hear Ash? Seems the dude wants her pretty bad right?! Wish I could be a fly in the room when that goes down! Ha!" Ess doesn't really think anything of the whole cellar bit and thinks you are all probably reaching for nothing here thinking Gellan might be a smuggler but he doesn't say anything. the dudes just a rich horny creep, that's all he thinks to himself.
Ben, your crumpled up failed silk ownership forgery attempt burns quickly in the fire. (thanks for keeping track of the 50%. Damn, He's not having much luck with that!)
Back at the line, the one who Hanna put in charge greets you and offers you a nightcap and a snack if there's any takers. Ess would get some cake. "What??! I've got the munchies, bros! I'll catch ya's all tomorrow morning my homies. That was a sick party! *burp* "
Alliance formed + 4 / 8:30AM / The Snapping Line Inn & The Council Hall
In the morning during breakfast, Ben you notice Hanna isn't back yet. The person who is in charge says he is expecting her back today at some point but isn't sure of the time.
You leave the Line and then report to the council hall as planned.
An employee of the council hall says "Ah! The heroes of Marshswamp. Please, Eliander is expecting you. I trust you know where his office is, yes?" and he gets closer to you all "oh, heads up. He's in a mood." and the worker grins at you and leaves.
Eliander, Eda, Manistrad, Anders and Skerrin (who is Anders butler that sometimes helps Anders at work) are present in council today. Each of them are in their own respective offices, and they all look quite busy.
Gellen is nowhere to be found.
(all these people are in our NPC tab)
As you walk to Eliander's office, you notice it's very busy in here today. There is a maintenance crew onsite doing repairs to the building. This is causing some background noise. Given all of your passive perceptions, Ash you are able to pick up on the following things as you walk to Eliander's office:
Eda's door is shut, but you hear she is talking to someone and you hear her say "starting to be an embarrassment to the traditionalists!" and then muffled speech, muffled speech, and then "didn't even show up today!" muffled speech muffled speech "party no doubt" and then the rest is muffled.
Manistrad is talking to a dwarf sitting at her desk in dwarven so you don't understand it but it looks like they are about to go somewhere.
Anders and Skerrin are talking something about smugglers. You don't hear anything other than the word "smugglers" woven between muffled speech.
(the rest of you only hear the maintenance crew doing their repairs as you walk)
When you get to Eliander's office, he seems a mess. He looks like he hasn't slept all night. He's fumbling around with some papers, and you've never really seen him like this. He's always seemed... together until now.
He says "AH! THERE YOU ALL ARE! It's about bloody ti... ahem, ahh, sorry. I apologize. It's just... well, it's shaping up to be a hell of a day. Hell of a month! I have to prepare for whatever the heck awaits us with the Lizardfolk and their blasted war. I suppose it'll be our war now... We meet with the Queen tomorrow to hammer out the details. Weapons! We will need weapons! I shall speak with Mafera and Jasker later. AH! I'm rambling...."
He takes a breath and gets himself together.
"Sorry. It's been a long day and it isn't even noon yet. Listen. I got word this morning via our patrol group who just returned from the Dreadwood that the captive I told you about is dead. I didn't tell you the details yesterday, but it was a child. A young lad from here in town. Bandits snatched him up and took off with the poor soul. Our patrol group who we sent out a few days ago returned early this morning and had found his body in the outer fringe of the Dreadwood. We confirmed it all with the parents this morning. A real tragedy. Bandits probably got word the parents were not the richest of folk and so never bothered with the ransom. Happens more frequently than I'd like it to, I'm sorry to say."
He looks down, genuinely sad about the entire thing, and then after a few moments, he wipes some *dirt* from his eye and says:
"ahem... Anyhow, I have something else for you. Should you be interested, of course. I've got no time to look into this myself with the Lizardfolk meeting happening tomorrow and thought I'd ask you given what has happened with the child."
"There's a chap named Aubreck, lives in one of the mansions just down the road from here." Eliander shows you on the map where he lives. "Guy has been at me for days about some ship he lost years ago, and now it's back, or something along those lines? Not even sure how someone looses a ship anyhow?? BAH! There's so much going on these days I can't tell up from down. Anyhow I don't know details but I was hoping you could all go see him? You can represent town council on my behalf. It could be nothing but he's been trying to reach me for days and I've been so busy with this sahuagin thing I've just not had the time. The guy even came by this morning so I know he will be home. Would you mind?"
"Oh, apparently the ship he lost is named the 'Wave Widow'. Won't stop talking about it."
He looks at you all and kind of assumes you're just going to go see Aubreck now. "Thank you. I will let you know once our meeting with the Lizardfolk takes place and will provide you all with details."
He kind of gives you a dismissing look as he fumbles around with more of his papers.
Over to you!