About Fiddnot: Given all of the conversation in OOC and here, I agree with Fiddnot being the contact from afar, with perhaps some surprise appearances as we see fit. Yeah, we'll say that Ash maybe went on her own away from the party during camp or to go to the bathroom or whatever clever excuse she comes up with, off a bit into the plains to search for Fiddnot. The thieves cant message he left also gave her information on where-ish to meet him, and so Ash does that, has the heartfelt meetup, grabs her daggers and he's gone in a flash. He will always (for the most part) know where the party is and will be helping Ash going forward by using the same types of messages he left in Marshswamp for her. This means he'll likely always be close-ish to the party's location so he can do his thing.
Sounds perfect about the daggers, and they look great on the character sheet!
Ben, I think you'd be able to get through most of that book during camp and during the very dull flat parts of the journey north. It seems that Sanbalet had this treatise more for the information specific to hobgoblins as that seems to be the only minion and information that is covered. There's also that parchment lodged in the book featuring a few simple words and phrases in the Common tongue and their equivalents in Goblin. The words include “stop,” “fight,” “lift,” “come,” and so forth.
Xendros is indeed also a minion of luz herself. From what you know about her, she leads a trade delegation which has come to Marshswamp to acquire large quantities of fish (salted and preserved for transport) in the name of Iuz, a mighty cambion and demigod who rules much of the distant north. Iuz’s realm does not produce enough food to feed all its citizens, so it relies on imports for the rest, and Marshswamp is one of its major suppliers. Xendros sometimes has need for adventurers and wants that apparatus of Kwalish. And she buys and sells magic items, as you know. It might be odd, yes, that someone like her is in Marshswamp. And that the council allows it.
DAY 3 - 5:00PM, Helm's Hold
Ok, with your history rolls and previous experience in this town, here's the lore that you know and would've likely discussed.
Helm’s Hold has stood as a place of watchfulness and protection for generations. Travelers have used it as a safe place to rest and recuperate on their journeys. Even during the dark times when Helm ceased showing signs to his faithful, the priests and people at Helm’s Hold kept their doors open and their eyes on the road, providing refuge to any who came in peace. There's something about this place that is just extremely unwelcoming towards anyone who might lean towards the 'darker' paths.
Helm’s Hold is still a relatively small settlement: a handful of streets that encircle a central marketplace, with sturdy stone-and-timber embankment walls all the way around. In the center of town sits the Heartward, a large marketplace with several rows of stalls radiating out from its central feature, an old gallows that doesn’t see much use these days.
Not far from Heartward lies the town hall, a former inn that has been turned into the council building where the Speakers of Helm’s Hold meet.
A short distance from the town hall lies the Venturer’s Rest, this is where the party would likely stay for the evening.
Dominating the skyline of the hold is the great edifice: the Cathedral of Helm. As much a fortification as it is a temple, the cathedral has a small building on its grounds that serves as an orphanage, wards for caring for the sick and injured, as well as a newer addition that houses the mad and deformed who have been brought up from the catacombs.
The settlement enjoys prosperity today, but such benefit was hard-won and requires vigilance to retain. Helm’s Hold is vulnerable on many fronts, in large part because of its proximity to Neverwinter Wood — which, if anything, has become more dangerous in recent times.
To save time, I don't think I will RP anything here, and we can FF to day 4 after all of the shopping and desired activities are completed.
The inn is 8sp for the night, and a meal is 5sp. Ess would also buy a jug of ale for the group. "Cheers boys! And Ash!" and he winks at her. "What a bunch we are, yeah? Hey Ash... suppose I was, you know.. still ratty. Would you have an inner desire to chase me? hehehehehehehehehehe!" and he smiles at Korrik. (deducted $)
DAY 4 - Helm's Hold
Based on the history roll, Ben's perception check and the length of time that you have to explore the place (day 3 evening and day 4 morning), here's what you are able to find and accomplish according to your lists:
Ben, there is a book store for sure, as well as an alchemy shop and a magic shop (all healing-ish based, and basic items/potions only). For sure about the silk, and there would also be an art dealer.
Ash, unfortunately there are no signs of cant anywhere, and no poisoner's kits sold here. This kind of aligns with the town's lore.
Let me know if I missed anything and what you want to sell and I'll let you know how much you get for it. You can roll a persuasion check, actually give me a few, to see about the price discounts.
I think after all of that it'd be around 12:00 noon on DAY 4. Would you stay another day/night, or head back now? Or something else?
((if I forgot about or don't mention the criminal contacts for awhile in the game, please PM me to remind me to make sure I still have them on my radar. Thanks))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((Any insight on who Iuz for type of person? I am guessing since the term 'minion' is being used he isn't a kind demi-god and it will probably also inform the type of person that ends up with authority in his service.))
Before he goes on his selling spree Ben preps with a little Eagle's Splendor to make himself even more persuasive!
Ben tries to offload these books at the bookstore:
The Magical Properties of Gemstones by the archmage Tenser
The Magical Properties of Herbs and Flowers by the archmage Tenser
The Metaphysics of Mathematics by the mage Nystul
Treatise concerning the demigod Iuz and its minions
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 26
At the alchemy store:
Alchemy tools
Crystal bauble (which was alchemy related)
Powder that is not cinnamon
Book, 'Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone'
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 17
At the magic shoppe (I think we decided to sell the spellbooks? It depended if they were spell scrolls or not, maybe. Otherwise definite sells):
((Ash would keep an eye out for manacles, but is not desperate for them. If she finds any she would get a set))
((Do you think the book ‘The Magical Properties of Herbs and Flowers by the archmage Tenser’ would help with a poisoner’s kit? Or help her find components? Ash has proficiency, so she may be able to tell at a glance if it would be useful to her or not. If so, she may ask to keep it a while longer. Let me know))
Ash is just completely impressed with Ben this whole trip. She enjoys watching him weave his charms in the shops and in the markets.
At some point during their visit (and completely privately to the party), she would observe, “Somethings not right, this city is too ‘clean’! I haven’t seen hide nor hair of The Varied Trades or the Guilds... ..”.
She explains, “The guilds balance out society. The Trades thrive off balance: supply, and demand... give and ‘take’... Alongside the Trades a city thrives. If the city thrives, the Trades thrive.... ...The guilds have an interest in making sure that no one power gains too much power”.
“The absence of The Varied Trades here, sets me on edge... The only explanation I can see is that there is a power here more powerful than The Trades. And that scares me more than anything else we’ve seen so far!“. ((she’s ‘scared’ just in a broad socio-economic sense, rather than panicky sense)), She’s fine walking about town, but she’s on her best behaviour. And doesn’t dare leave any Thieves’ Cant anywhere, or speak it. If weapons are not openly worn, she would cover hers under the many layers of her clothes.
In response to Ess she jokes and purrs, “Chase you??.... Hmmmmmm.... That would depend on whether I was hungry, I guess!”. She smiles wide, showing all of her needle-teeth, and her large top- and bottom-canines, meshing beautifully together; not unlike a tiger’s smile. She looks him up and down as if she’s considering his nutritional content. Then she lets him off the hook eventually with a playful wink.
((OOC: I’m losing track a little of days and nights. How much should we each deduct for food and lodgings here?))
"Small, religious place like this? Everyone's gonna be nosy, if you're in that line of work you gotta be extra careful if you want to not get caught. I agree with being on 'good behavior', we're memorable outsiders, don't need any Helm-heads connecting us to anything."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
"That is a conversation for the road, not this fine town!"
He checks to make sure people weren't listening in and continues,
"There is no reason to be worried about being connected to something because we have done nothinguntoward to be connected to, nor will we."
He emphasizes the point with a look at Ash and Ess and decides they had probably get back on the road again tonight despite the call of a good bed before itchy fingers land them all in trouble.
((OOC: I did say ‘completely privately’, and as a former redacted, Ash would know how to make sure they’re not overheard. But if Ben was determined not to speak of such things Ash would confide in just Ess and Korrik alone))
"We've plenty of coin in our pockets, and more coming as soon as you sweet talk a few shopkeeps, I hope. No need for us to do anything, and if you're not seeing any signs of your cousins we don't need to go looking for them here."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((@ Grwobert, I know, but Ben also finds the place off-putting and just wants to keep shop talk quiet until they are out of town!
@Klein, Ben would switch faces for all sales, same for the art store and general sales but different between the alchemy and magic. Same general build as Ben for all but different hair color and skin shade with variations on facial features. All human, all plain and forgettable.))
((We'll leave Ben to his sales, perhaps entering stores slightly before or after him if we have something to buy there too, but not seeming to be 'with him? Ash in particular is memorable.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
At some point while Ben is off doing his thing, Ash will take a look around town for a nice butchers. Then on the morning that the party are due to leave, she’ll pop back in there and pick up some rather superior steaks to do on the campfire one evening during the journey back to Marshswamp.
((you are correct with your guesses/insights towards luz person type))
Ben, at the bookstore, you get 15gp for each book given your persuasion roll. The shopkeeper was very pleased to see these books. "They will be a nice addition to our collection!"
At the alchemy store "Some quality stuff here. Especially that book!"
Alchemy tools 20gp
Crystal bauble (which was alchemy related) 5sp
Powder that is not cinnamon 10gp
Book, 'Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone' 50gp
The magic shop would give you 250gp for the skeletons' spellbook and 500gp for sanbalet's book. The shopkeeper identifies the rock. (-10gp) Cursed Luckstone"Hmmmm. Interesting. You best not be messing with that rock. In fact, I could take it off your hands and have it disposed of. What do you say?"
The art shop "Some beautiful pieces. How on earth were these created? bah, no matter. They are beautiful. Thank you, sir."
Golden Objects, (A human skull 25gp, a set of five small discs 7gp, an apple 7gp and a rose 7gp)
Porcelain doll (sailor, jade gem eyes) 20gp
General selling spot:
Swords: 15gp for all of them
Brandy: 10gp
Silk total: 100gp
Blue rocks: 20gp
I know I still owe more to this post but I at minimum wanted to get the transactions out of the way! Let me know if I missed anything with that specific piece as well as what you want to do with the luckstone. I'll try to get the rest of the post finished today. Life is very busy these days so thanks for sticking with the slower paced game everyone!!
Ash does not find any manacles in Helm's Hold. That book wouldn't help with creating a kit, it's more healing based concepts of the plants and flowers.
Ess says "I mean... I was a rat and all. Cats... rats... you know. hehehehe!"
You had to spend one night in Helm's Hold. It is the afternoon of day 4 since the smuggler bust. The inn is 8sp for the night, and a meal is 5sp.
Roger that about Ben switching faces for each merchant. Very smart.
Ash, you would find a butcher who has some nice cuts of beef available. 2gp would get you a few juicy chunks along with a nice tip for the butcher.
Did I get everything? And it's my understanding the party will be heading out on the late afternoon of day 4 back to Marshswamp?
Actually, can I get a deception roll from Ben. We won't RP any of this, but the magic shop owner would've been suspicious about the spells in the books as well as the stone. With advantage with the eagle's splendor. It's almost a sure thing that Ben can fake it and come up with a good excuse why he has these items, but I still need to check. If you were to roll snake eyes, for instance...
Please roll twice as I also need one for the gold items at that art merchant.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((Too bad about Xendros falling into the tiefling stereotype.
You were trying to get me with another cursed item Klein! HA, Ben learns his lessons fast! He will be getting another venereal disease though, he just doesn't have the con score not to.))
To the magic store owner Ben doesn't particularly see the value in lying,
"One of the books," he taps it, "I found on a skeleton. Incidentally, the same skeleton as that stone. It probably goes a long ways in explaining why said wizard was a skeleton! The other one belonged to the boss of a gang that is now sitting in jail."
Deception/persuasion (min 17 for either): 21
"So far as the stone goes, how much would you give me for it? It actually seems less horrible than most cursed items... Oh, which reminds me, do you have any instrument of illusions around, a lute preferably? And a hat of disguise?"
Roll for the instrument:1
Roll for the hat:12
---
At the art store he just lies.
"Old art just gathering dust in a cellar, I am sure someone will find them attractive!"
Ash is happy for Korrik to come along grocery shopping.
((She’s not interested in the cursed stone or the pipe))
When the party head away from the city, back towards Marshswamp, and after the money is shared out, she thinks to herself that things have certainly turned around in the last few days: she sits astride a beautiful horse, wearing fine clothes, with her daggers back, and over a years’ wages, for most people, in her purse. She can’t help but smile and ride a little prouder as she looks around at her newfound companions.
((haha, I was waiting for you to pick it up! Yeah , I know what you mean about Xendros. Seems to fit the stereotype. Meta-speaking, of course :) ))
The shopkeeper at the magic store really appreciates your honesty and is quite pleasant to work with after you tell him the story. He believes it. It's the truth! He would ask you were you found it, and if we keep that roll for this entire conversation, whatever you tell him he will 'buy' at this point. "That is quite the adventure, my good man. Alas, I cannot provide any funds for that cursed piece of evil. I don't even like it in the presence of my store to be honest. I can take it from you if you'd like to have it destroyed, I'll take it to the temple and they can deal with it. Otherwise I'm afraid I cannot give you anything for that. Hmmm... let me check."
He comes back a few minutes later. "Here. I've got this. Been around here for as long as I've owned the place. It's not in the greatest shape... a little clunky looking. Hmmm. I like you. Ben, was it? Take it. Like I said, the thing has been here for years and is just taking up space. About the hat, I am sorry. Haven't seen one of those come through in awhile."
The art store merchant believes your lies, as you're quite used to by now.
Ok, it's It is 4:00PM on DAY 4. I assume you will get a few hours of riding in, and then camp? Assuming you get up at a half decent time in the morning of day 5, I think you'd make it back to Marshswamp on the evening of DAY 5. Just in time for dinner.
(Day 5 referring to the 5th day since the smuggler bust. Just keeping it straight in my own head as we are tracking the days similarly in Tomb!)
Encounter roll: 1729
Ok, no encounters on the trip home!
So, will you head to the Snapping Line inn for dinner and the night? Then the next day begin the downtime activities? That would be the start of day 6.
Arrival back in Marshswamp: 6:30pm on Day 5. Would Ben perform that night?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
To the magic shop owner,
"I understand, the market for cursed items is probably not very active! I have no intention of doing anything with it but I will check with some of my friends if they want to deal with it, curse and all. Otherwise I will make sure it is destroyed, had a bad experience in the not too distant past where I found what looked to be a fanciful snake looking whip. Long story short, as so I touched it the thing 'bit' me and I had to have the horrible thing professionally removed. Honestly, who makes these items? Don't they have better things to do with their time?"
Ben's eyes widen in unfeigned surprise at getting the lute for free. He inspects it and turns it, turning it over, tapping it and listening to the echo before strumming a few cords and humming along with it. He plays with turning for a few more moments and then plays a short melody.
"You are too generous! You have my sincerest thanks! It is a bit a of trip, but you've made yourself a repeat customer for both buying and selling of magical items. You will always get first offer at anything I come across."
He gives the man a firm handshake then heads out with a wide smile on his borrowed face.
---
On the ride back he will prestidigate the lute clean, add new strings and generally practice with the instrument to attune it. Once attuned he will give the party a few nice ballad performances which he will augment with illusory images showing the scenes if not the stories.
He would definitely perform once they get back to Marshswamp, saying to Hanna,
"A new lute to test, let's see how they like it!"
Right as he is about to go on stage he splendors up and plays some sea songs that play heavily with weather to maximize the illusions filling the stage with small vessels, oceans, krakens, whirlpools and lightning. He will close with a more subdued, relaxing song using the illusions to only add soft colors around him.
Performance: 8
After the performance he will return to Hanna and whisper,
"Perhaps you have time for that private performance tonight? I'm sure I know some of your favorites..."
Persuasion: 16
((Depending on how the night goes the carousing might start a bit later for Ben! The best carousing is at night anyhow.))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((well would you look at that... 2 posts in a day! Just like old times, haha))
*added the split to Ess's $. Thank you for doing that Rod!
"Bros, we ballers now! Ash bud, you ever think that house would've been so lucrative?!"
Ess thoroughly enjoys the practice playing that Ben does during the travel home, particularly at camp. You all also bond more with your horses. They are beautiful animals.
Arrival back in Marshswamp, 6:30pm on Day 5.
Ben, you are really getting used to this venue. You're really feeling it, and now with the new instrument and added effects along with the song choices in general you have another stellar night.
Ben, the tips for the performance was 57sp and 44cp. Hanna also gives you 5gp. The crowd loved it and it brought in big business. "Thank you, Ben!"
"BRO! YOU RULE, MY DUDE! ROCK ON BRUH."
Ok, Ben, your subsequent persuasion roll along with your earlier conversation with Hanna before you left to Helm's Hold... can't be ignored. She accepts and after the place closes, she'd invite you up to her quarters (her home, essentially as she has a home which is built as an addition on the inn itself) and you'd have a stellar performance in the bedroom with her as well. No CON save required with Hanna. She's clean. :)
(LOL remember your comment when we first started with Gina? That was a classic moment for sure. "FYI this is as far as I go" or something like that. It was just priceless because I was on the same page. And still am. LOLOL)
DAY 6, 8:30 AM
Ben, Hanna kicks you out in a playful way early enough for no one to see you, or so you both think. She smiles at you, and you're not sure if that will happen again. It would depend on the dice!
Morning breakfasts are covered by the inn! Ess says to Ben "How was YOUR night, bro?!"
Downtime activities commence: 9:00 AM, DAY 6.
Ash: Carousing. Then research if time permits.
Ess: He wants to work on the docks. This might be what he ends up doing for a job once he settles. Laboring on the docks, loading and unloading ships.
Ben: Carousing.
Korrik: Carousing and cook / line work when applicable.
->
Carousing
Marshswamp has several taverns that provide plenty of opportunities for adventurers to spend their money on fine food and strong drink. Carousing gives the characters a chance to make contacts in town.
A week of carousing costs 2d10 gp as you lavish money on food and drink for yourself and others. When carousing, pick a single tavern in town to frequent. At the end of the week, you earn a contact in town. You can have a maximum number of contacts in town equal to 1 + your Charisma bonus (minimum of 1). The nature of the contacts depends on the chosen tavern. I create the specific contact such as the bartender at the appropriate tavern or a specific person you have connected with.
Carousing Contacts
The Snapping Line: Fishers, sailors, (laborers) The Empty Net: Smugglers, (criminals) The Wicker Goat: Dwarves, (town guard)
Please roll 2d10. This will be the cost in gp that you will pay. And you will only get the one contact per carousing period which will take 1 week.
As for Ess:
Laboring on the docks, loading and unloading ships for Anders Solmor’s trading company
For each week of employment, you earn the coin needed to sustain a modest lifestyle. Ess to earn 7gp.
There is also a chance that you attract the notice of the prominent person associated with your job. At the end of each week, make a (hidden DC) Charisma check. On a success, you earn the opportunity to request an audience with that person.
Ess CHA: 18
He fails. Which isn't surprising. "Hehehehehehehehe"
Ash, after reading about carousing, let me know if you would prefer to do the research piece instead:
Research
Krag (the town gravedigger and assistant to the library) is always open to recruiting someone to help organize Eliander’s library and take care of things in the graveyard. In return for help with his day job, Krag grants access to the library and can help conduct research. His expert command of local history makes him a useful contact. He has no shortage of semi-interesting tales about notorious fish and monstrous pirates.
Wages and Research You can spend a week working with Krag, helping tend the graveyard during the day and organizing Eliander’s library in the evenings. You earn enough money to afford a modest lifestyle (1gp per day, so you'd get 7gp). You also learn one piece of lore regarding the region around Marshswamp. That lore is the equivalent of one true statement about a person, place, or thing found within 25 miles of town. I will give you this piece of lore.
Ok, so make the rolls and let me know the required details as per above (which inn you will carouse at), and then I will process and give you all of the information and contacts and info etc. that you were able to get.
After this, it will be 5:00 PM on DAY 12.
The smugglers are supposed to be returning around day 14.
About Fiddnot: Given all of the conversation in OOC and here, I agree with Fiddnot being the contact from afar, with perhaps some surprise appearances as we see fit. Yeah, we'll say that Ash maybe went on her own away from the party during camp or to go to the bathroom or whatever clever excuse she comes up with, off a bit into the plains to search for Fiddnot. The thieves cant message he left also gave her information on where-ish to meet him, and so Ash does that, has the heartfelt meetup, grabs her daggers and he's gone in a flash. He will always (for the most part) know where the party is and will be helping Ash going forward by using the same types of messages he left in Marshswamp for her. This means he'll likely always be close-ish to the party's location so he can do his thing.
Sounds perfect about the daggers, and they look great on the character sheet!
Ben, I think you'd be able to get through most of that book during camp and during the very dull flat parts of the journey north. It seems that Sanbalet had this treatise more for the information specific to hobgoblins as that seems to be the only minion and information that is covered. There's also that parchment lodged in the book featuring a few simple words and phrases in the Common tongue and their equivalents in Goblin. The words include “stop,” “fight,” “lift,” “come,” and so forth.
Xendros is indeed also a minion of luz herself. From what you know about her, she leads a trade delegation which has come to Marshswamp to acquire large quantities of fish (salted and preserved for transport) in the name of Iuz, a mighty cambion and demigod who rules much of the distant north. Iuz’s realm does not produce enough food to feed all its citizens, so it relies on imports for the rest, and Marshswamp is one of its major suppliers. Xendros sometimes has need for adventurers and wants that apparatus of Kwalish. And she buys and sells magic items, as you know. It might be odd, yes, that someone like her is in Marshswamp. And that the council allows it.
DAY 3 - 5:00PM, Helm's Hold
Ok, with your history rolls and previous experience in this town, here's the lore that you know and would've likely discussed.
Helm’s Hold has stood as a place of watchfulness and protection for generations. Travelers have used it as a safe place to rest and recuperate on their journeys. Even during the dark times when Helm ceased showing signs to his faithful, the priests and people at Helm’s Hold kept their doors open and their eyes on the road, providing refuge to any who came in peace. There's something about this place that is just extremely unwelcoming towards anyone who might lean towards the 'darker' paths.
Helm’s Hold is still a relatively small settlement: a handful of streets that encircle a central marketplace, with sturdy stone-and-timber embankment walls all the way around. In the center of town sits the Heartward, a large marketplace with several rows of stalls radiating out from its central feature, an old gallows that doesn’t see much use these days.
Not far from Heartward lies the town hall, a former inn that has been turned into the council building where the Speakers of Helm’s Hold meet.
A short distance from the town hall lies the Venturer’s Rest, this is where the party would likely stay for the evening.
Dominating the skyline of the hold is the great edifice: the Cathedral of Helm. As much a fortification as it is a temple, the cathedral has a small building on its grounds that serves as an orphanage, wards for caring for the sick and injured, as well as a newer addition that houses the mad and deformed who have been brought up from the catacombs.
The settlement enjoys prosperity today, but such benefit was hard-won and requires vigilance to retain. Helm’s Hold is vulnerable on many fronts, in large part because of its proximity to Neverwinter Wood — which, if anything, has become more dangerous in recent times.
To save time, I don't think I will RP anything here, and we can FF to day 4 after all of the shopping and desired activities are completed.
The inn is 8sp for the night, and a meal is 5sp. Ess would also buy a jug of ale for the group. "Cheers boys! And Ash!" and he winks at her. "What a bunch we are, yeah? Hey Ash... suppose I was, you know.. still ratty. Would you have an inner desire to chase me? hehehehehehehehehehe!" and he smiles at Korrik. (deducted $)
DAY 4 - Helm's Hold
Based on the history roll, Ben's perception check and the length of time that you have to explore the place (day 3 evening and day 4 morning), here's what you are able to find and accomplish according to your lists:
Ben, there is a book store for sure, as well as an alchemy shop and a magic shop (all healing-ish based, and basic items/potions only). For sure about the silk, and there would also be an art dealer.
Ash, unfortunately there are no signs of cant anywhere, and no poisoner's kits sold here. This kind of aligns with the town's lore.
Let me know if I missed anything and what you want to sell and I'll let you know how much you get for it. You can roll a persuasion check, actually give me a few, to see about the price discounts.
I think after all of that it'd be around 12:00 noon on DAY 4. Would you stay another day/night, or head back now? Or something else?
((if I forgot about or don't mention the criminal contacts for awhile in the game, please PM me to remind me to make sure I still have them on my radar. Thanks))
((Any insight on who Iuz for type of person? I am guessing since the term 'minion' is being used he isn't a kind demi-god and it will probably also inform the type of person that ends up with authority in his service.))
Before he goes on his selling spree Ben preps with a little Eagle's Splendor to make himself even more persuasive!
Ben tries to offload these books at the bookstore:
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 26
At the alchemy store:
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 17
At the magic shoppe (I think we decided to sell the spellbooks? It depended if they were spell scrolls or not, maybe. Otherwise definite sells):
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 25
Also at the magic shoppe identify (and then after discussion maybe keep or sell?):
At the art shop:
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 24
At the general selling spot:
Persuasion, advantage (min 17): 10
((Ash would keep an eye out for manacles, but is not desperate for them. If she finds any she would get a set))
((Do you think the book ‘The Magical Properties of Herbs and Flowers by the archmage Tenser’ would help with a poisoner’s kit? Or help her find components? Ash has proficiency, so she may be able to tell at a glance if it would be useful to her or not. If so, she may ask to keep it a while longer. Let me know))
Ash is just completely impressed with Ben this whole trip. She enjoys watching him weave his charms in the shops and in the markets.
At some point during their visit (and completely privately to the party), she would observe, “Somethings not right, this city is too ‘clean’! I haven’t seen hide nor hair of The Varied Trades or the Guilds... ..”.
She explains, “The guilds balance out society. The Trades thrive off balance: supply, and demand... give and ‘take’... Alongside the Trades a city thrives. If the city thrives, the Trades thrive.... ...The guilds have an interest in making sure that no one power gains too much power”.
“The absence of The Varied Trades here, sets me on edge... The only explanation I can see is that there is a power here more powerful than The Trades. And that scares me more than anything else we’ve seen so far!“. ((she’s ‘scared’ just in a broad socio-economic sense, rather than panicky sense)), She’s fine walking about town, but she’s on her best behaviour. And doesn’t dare leave any Thieves’ Cant anywhere, or speak it. If weapons are not openly worn, she would cover hers under the many layers of her clothes.
In response to Ess she jokes and purrs, “Chase you??.... Hmmmmmm.... That would depend on whether I was hungry, I guess!”. She smiles wide, showing all of her needle-teeth, and her large top- and bottom-canines, meshing beautifully together; not unlike a tiger’s smile. She looks him up and down as if she’s considering his nutritional content. Then she lets him off the hook eventually with a playful wink.
((OOC: I’m losing track a little of days and nights. How much should we each deduct for food and lodgings here?))
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
"Small, religious place like this? Everyone's gonna be nosy, if you're in that line of work you gotta be extra careful if you want to not get caught. I agree with being on 'good behavior', we're memorable outsiders, don't need any Helm-heads connecting us to anything."
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 shushes the talk of thieves and their guilds.
"That is a conversation for the road, not this fine town!"
He checks to make sure people weren't listening in and continues,
"There is no reason to be worried about being connected to something because we have done nothing untoward to be connected to, nor will we."
He emphasizes the point with a look at Ash and Ess and decides they had probably get back on the road again tonight despite the call of a good bed before itchy fingers land them all in trouble.
((OOC: I did say ‘completely privately’, and as a former
redacted, Ash would know how to make sure they’re not overheard. But if Ben was determined not to speak of such things Ash would confide in just Ess and Korrik alone))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
"We've plenty of coin in our pockets, and more coming as soon as you sweet talk a few shopkeeps, I hope. No need for us to do anything, and if you're not seeing any signs of your cousins we don't need to go looking for them here."
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
((@ Grwobert, I know, but Ben also finds the place off-putting and just wants to keep shop talk quiet until they are out of town!
@Klein, Ben would switch faces for all sales, same for the art store and general sales but different between the alchemy and magic. Same general build as Ben for all but different hair color and skin shade with variations on facial features. All human, all plain and forgettable.))
((We'll leave Ben to his sales, perhaps entering stores slightly before or after him if we have something to buy there too, but not seeming to be 'with him? Ash in particular is memorable.))
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
At some point while Ben is off doing his thing, Ash will take a look around town for a nice butchers. Then on the morning that the party are due to leave, she’ll pop back in there and pick up some rather superior steaks to do on the campfire one evening during the journey back to Marshswamp.
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
If Ash lets him know she's going grocery shopping, Korrik would tag along as the self appointed party cook.
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
((you are correct with your guesses/insights towards luz person type))
Ben, at the bookstore, you get 15gp for each book given your persuasion roll. The shopkeeper was very pleased to see these books. "They will be a nice addition to our collection!"
At the alchemy store "Some quality stuff here. Especially that book!"
The magic shop would give you 250gp for the skeletons' spellbook and 500gp for sanbalet's book. The shopkeeper identifies the rock. (-10gp) Cursed Luckstone "Hmmmm. Interesting. You best not be messing with that rock. In fact, I could take it off your hands and have it disposed of. What do you say?"
The art shop "Some beautiful pieces. How on earth were these created? bah, no matter. They are beautiful. Thank you, sir."
General selling spot:
Swords: 15gp for all of them
Brandy: 10gp
Silk total: 100gp
Blue rocks: 20gp
I know I still owe more to this post but I at minimum wanted to get the transactions out of the way! Let me know if I missed anything with that specific piece as well as what you want to do with the luckstone. I'll try to get the rest of the post finished today. Life is very busy these days so thanks for sticking with the slower paced game everyone!!
Ash does not find any manacles in Helm's Hold. That book wouldn't help with creating a kit, it's more healing based concepts of the plants and flowers.
Ess says "I mean... I was a rat and all. Cats... rats... you know. hehehehe!"
You had to spend one night in Helm's Hold. It is the afternoon of day 4 since the smuggler bust. The inn is 8sp for the night, and a meal is 5sp.
Roger that about Ben switching faces for each merchant. Very smart.
Ash, you would find a butcher who has some nice cuts of beef available. 2gp would get you a few juicy chunks along with a nice tip for the butcher.
Did I get everything? And it's my understanding the party will be heading out on the late afternoon of day 4 back to Marshswamp?
Actually, can I get a deception roll from Ben. We won't RP any of this, but the magic shop owner would've been suspicious about the spells in the books as well as the stone. With advantage with the eagle's splendor. It's almost a sure thing that Ben can fake it and come up with a good excuse why he has these items, but I still need to check. If you were to roll snake eyes, for instance...
Please roll twice as I also need one for the gold items at that art merchant.
It is 4:00PM on DAY 4.
((Too bad about Xendros falling into the tiefling stereotype.
You were trying to get me with another cursed item Klein! HA, Ben learns his lessons fast! He will be getting another venereal disease though, he just doesn't have the con score not to.))
To the magic store owner Ben doesn't particularly see the value in lying,
"One of the books," he taps it, "I found on a skeleton. Incidentally, the same skeleton as that stone. It probably goes a long ways in explaining why said wizard was a skeleton! The other one belonged to the boss of a gang that is now sitting in jail."
Deception/persuasion (min 17 for either): 21
"So far as the stone goes, how much would you give me for it? It actually seems less horrible than most cursed items... Oh, which reminds me, do you have any instrument of illusions around, a lute preferably? And a hat of disguise?"
Roll for the instrument:1
Roll for the hat:12
---
At the art store he just lies.
"Old art just gathering dust in a cellar, I am sure someone will find them attractive!"
Deception (min 17): 18
((Spider reminded me. It is Ben's MO, he did it all over Neverwinter but I managed to forget.))
Ash is happy for Korrik to come along grocery shopping.
((She’s not interested in the cursed stone or the pipe))
When the party head away from the city, back towards Marshswamp, and after the money is shared out, she thinks to herself that things have certainly turned around in the last few days: she sits astride a beautiful horse, wearing fine clothes, with her daggers back, and over a years’ wages, for most people, in her purse. She can’t help but smile and ride a little prouder as she looks around at her newfound companions.
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
((haha, I was waiting for you to pick it up! Yeah , I know what you mean about Xendros. Seems to fit the stereotype. Meta-speaking, of course :) ))
The shopkeeper at the magic store really appreciates your honesty and is quite pleasant to work with after you tell him the story. He believes it. It's the truth! He would ask you were you found it, and if we keep that roll for this entire conversation, whatever you tell him he will 'buy' at this point. "That is quite the adventure, my good man. Alas, I cannot provide any funds for that cursed piece of evil. I don't even like it in the presence of my store to be honest. I can take it from you if you'd like to have it destroyed, I'll take it to the temple and they can deal with it. Otherwise I'm afraid I cannot give you anything for that. Hmmm... let me check."
He comes back a few minutes later. "Here. I've got this. Been around here for as long as I've owned the place. It's not in the greatest shape... a little clunky looking. Hmmm. I like you. Ben, was it? Take it. Like I said, the thing has been here for years and is just taking up space. About the hat, I am sorry. Haven't seen one of those come through in awhile."
The art store merchant believes your lies, as you're quite used to by now.
Ok, it's It is 4:00PM on DAY 4. I assume you will get a few hours of riding in, and then camp? Assuming you get up at a half decent time in the morning of day 5, I think you'd make it back to Marshswamp on the evening of DAY 5. Just in time for dinner.
(Day 5 referring to the 5th day since the smuggler bust. Just keeping it straight in my own head as we are tracking the days similarly in Tomb!)
Encounter roll: 17 29
Ok, no encounters on the trip home!
So, will you head to the Snapping Line inn for dinner and the night? Then the next day begin the downtime activities? That would be the start of day 6.
Arrival back in Marshswamp: 6:30pm on Day 5. Would Ben perform that night?
Downtime activities commence: 9:00am Day 6.
To the magic shop owner,
"I understand, the market for cursed items is probably not very active! I have no intention of doing anything with it but I will check with some of my friends if they want to deal with it, curse and all. Otherwise I will make sure it is destroyed, had a bad experience in the not too distant past where I found what looked to be a fanciful snake looking whip. Long story short, as so I touched it the thing 'bit' me and I had to have the horrible thing professionally removed. Honestly, who makes these items? Don't they have better things to do with their time?"
Ben's eyes widen in unfeigned surprise at getting the lute for free. He inspects it and turns it, turning it over, tapping it and listening to the echo before strumming a few cords and humming along with it. He plays with turning for a few more moments and then plays a short melody.
"You are too generous! You have my sincerest thanks! It is a bit a of trip, but you've made yourself a repeat customer for both buying and selling of magical items. You will always get first offer at anything I come across."
He gives the man a firm handshake then heads out with a wide smile on his borrowed face.
---
On the ride back he will prestidigate the lute clean, add new strings and generally practice with the instrument to attune it. Once attuned he will give the party a few nice ballad performances which he will augment with illusory images showing the scenes if not the stories.
He would definitely perform once they get back to Marshswamp, saying to Hanna,
"A new lute to test, let's see how they like it!"
Right as he is about to go on stage he splendors up and plays some sea songs that play heavily with weather to maximize the illusions filling the stage with small vessels, oceans, krakens, whirlpools and lightning. He will close with a more subdued, relaxing song using the illusions to only add soft colors around him.
Performance: 8
After the performance he will return to Hanna and whisper,
"Perhaps you have time for that private performance tonight? I'm sure I know some of your favorites..."
Persuasion: 16
((Depending on how the night goes the carousing might start a bit later for Ben! The best carousing is at night anyhow.))
((well would you look at that... 2 posts in a day! Just like old times, haha))
*added the split to Ess's $. Thank you for doing that Rod!
"Bros, we ballers now! Ash bud, you ever think that house would've been so lucrative?!"
Ess thoroughly enjoys the practice playing that Ben does during the travel home, particularly at camp. You all also bond more with your horses. They are beautiful animals.
Arrival back in Marshswamp, 6:30pm on Day 5.
Ben, you are really getting used to this venue. You're really feeling it, and now with the new instrument and added effects along with the song choices in general you have another stellar night.
Ben, the tips for the performance was 57sp and 44cp. Hanna also gives you 5gp. The crowd loved it and it brought in big business. "Thank you, Ben!"
"BRO! YOU RULE, MY DUDE! ROCK ON BRUH."
Ok, Ben, your subsequent persuasion roll along with your earlier conversation with Hanna before you left to Helm's Hold... can't be ignored. She accepts and after the place closes, she'd invite you up to her quarters (her home, essentially as she has a home which is built as an addition on the inn itself) and you'd have a stellar performance in the bedroom with her as well. No CON save required with Hanna. She's clean. :)
(LOL remember your comment when we first started with Gina? That was a classic moment for sure. "FYI this is as far as I go" or something like that. It was just priceless because I was on the same page. And still am. LOLOL)
DAY 6, 8:30 AM
Ben, Hanna kicks you out in a playful way early enough for no one to see you, or so you both think. She smiles at you, and you're not sure if that will happen again. It would depend on the dice!
Morning breakfasts are covered by the inn! Ess says to Ben "How was YOUR night, bro?!"
Downtime activities commence: 9:00 AM, DAY 6.
Ash: Carousing. Then research if time permits.
Ess: He wants to work on the docks. This might be what he ends up doing for a job once he settles. Laboring on the docks, loading and unloading ships.
Ben: Carousing.
Korrik: Carousing and cook / line work when applicable.
->
Carousing
Marshswamp has several taverns that provide plenty of opportunities for adventurers to spend their money on fine food and strong drink. Carousing gives the characters a chance to make contacts in town.
A week of carousing costs 2d10 gp as you lavish money on food and drink for yourself and others. When carousing, pick a single tavern in town to frequent. At the end of the week, you earn a contact in town. You can have a maximum number of contacts in town equal to 1 + your Charisma bonus (minimum of 1). The nature of the contacts depends on the chosen tavern. I create the specific contact such as the bartender at the appropriate tavern or a specific person you have connected with.
Carousing Contacts
The Snapping Line: Fishers, sailors, (laborers)
The Empty Net: Smugglers, (criminals)
The Wicker Goat: Dwarves, (town guard)
Please roll 2d10. This will be the cost in gp that you will pay. And you will only get the one contact per carousing period which will take 1 week.
As for Ess:
Laboring on the docks, loading and unloading ships for Anders Solmor’s trading company
For each week of employment, you earn the coin needed to sustain a modest lifestyle. Ess to earn 7gp.
There is also a chance that you attract the notice of the prominent person associated with your job. At the end of each week, make a (hidden DC) Charisma check. On a success, you earn the opportunity to request an audience with that person.
Ess CHA: 18
He fails. Which isn't surprising. "Hehehehehehehehe"
Ash, after reading about carousing, let me know if you would prefer to do the research piece instead:
Research
Krag (the town gravedigger and assistant to the library) is always open to recruiting someone to help organize Eliander’s library and take care of things in the graveyard. In return for help with his day job, Krag grants access to the library and can help conduct research. His expert command of local history makes him a useful contact. He has no shortage of semi-interesting tales about notorious fish and monstrous pirates.
Wages and Research
You can spend a week working with Krag, helping tend the graveyard during the day and organizing Eliander’s library in the evenings. You earn enough money to afford a modest lifestyle (1gp per day, so you'd get 7gp). You also learn one piece of lore regarding the region around Marshswamp. That lore is the equivalent of one true statement about a person, place, or thing found within 25 miles of town. I will give you this piece of lore.
Ok, so make the rolls and let me know the required details as per above (which inn you will carouse at), and then I will process and give you all of the information and contacts and info etc. that you were able to get.
After this, it will be 5:00 PM on DAY 12.
The smugglers are supposed to be returning around day 14.