Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin’s residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster’s hall, is a job board for adventurers.
The adventure begins! Please introduce your characters. You do not have to meet up all at once. Eventually though you should all come together at the Townmaster's Hall. I recommend starting out at the Stonehill Inn.
Falver arrived in Phandalin last night, late enough in the evening to see many of the patrons of the Stonehill Inn had already eaten their dinners and were moving on to their drinks. As he walked into the inn, (paying for a drink and a room for the night ), he surveyed the locals gathered in their groups. They seemed friendly enough, with enough drink flowing to loosen most tongues. He listened for anything that might spark a memory... a small wind of a hint of his quarry.
The evening passed, and Falver made his way up to the modest room he rented for the night.
In the morning, he made his way down the stairs to the common room. His acorn colored hair was still a bit disheveled from his sleep, but he was awake and aware. Blue eyes that usually peered out from under his gray travelling cloak were still adjusting to the morning light. His brown leather belt held a leather cartographers tool kit on one hip, his short sword on the other... he slid his pack from his back, the shortbow lashed to the side of it with his quiver of arrows. Scanning the room, he made his way to who he thought looked like the inn keeper and asked:
"Good morning, are there any breakfast items available? I have a feeling I might have a full day ahead of myself..."
On this night, Jasper stayed at the Shrine to work on a healing potion to take to the Lionshield Coster in the morning. After a long night of work, he moves his things to the side and empties a pouch with moonstones. Arranged them deliberately and presents his symbol of Moon Maiden. Jasper begins his meditative rest.
An hour or so past sunrise, Jasper opens his eyes and prays to his Goddess for guidance and strength for the day to come. Takes some time to eat some dried meat and berries. He cleans himself up with a little water splash in the face, gathers his things and heads to the Lionshield. Walks up the stairs and enters the building. Jasper sets his spear and shield down inside the door. Looking around at the interior walls and ceiling, he feels a bit uneasy. Noticeably uncomfortable walks up to the counter. Jasper anxiously speaks to the person at the counter. “Uhhh…Good morning to you. Mmmight I ask you about your armor for sale or trade?” And with this, I pull a stoppered vial from my belt and lay it on the counter. “This is a healing potion I made. I made it last night. And I am looking for some armor. To trade? Maybe a chain shirt.” Jasper breathes heavily. Gripping his belt. ”Any news about the trail? Attacks?” Looking on expectantly. ”Im looking for some work. Would you know of any travelers in need of assistance?”
The screams seemed to go on forever in her ears. Even when she had run far enough away that it could only be her imagination. Three days ago, or was it four? No matter. It was part of her now. The screaming of the gnomes, her friend Roywyn's clan, as they were cut down by the marauding orcs. A tiny echo of the cataclysm years ago much farther beneath the earth when demons had broken free in the depths of Menzoberranzan. When she and Roywyn, back then a slave, had fled amidst the chaos. The slave and the half-breed. Eventually finding their way to the surface and back to Roywyn's family who had welcomed them both. There had been thousands of screams, down in the Underdark, some in terror, some in glee and bloodlust. Just as there had been glee and bloodlust amidst the terror with the orcs the other night.
Rel shudders and steels herself, hugging her knees and trying to will herself to sleep as she sits hunched against a tree in the woods to the east of the little mining town in the foothills. She touches her earrings for luck. Dull black, darker even than her own skin. She finally nods off and oblivion takes her as she enters her trance.
In the morning, she wakes and shakes the leaves and dirt from her long, straight silver hair.
I've made a new beginning before. I can do it again. What other choice is there?
Rel consciously resists the inclination to hunch her shoulders at the looks she knows will come her way. She forces herself to walk confidently west into the town. As if she belongs there. Which she surely does not. She passes the Townmaster's Hall and notices the job postings. Down to her last coppers, it may be a chance, if the quaint and strange surface people here would give her that chance as Roywyn and her fellow gnomes had. She stares for a time, trying to memorize the postings.
This town may well be in the same danger as the gnomes were. Time to fight back.
Finally, she wills herself through the center of the town, village really, past the empty shrine to the surface elves' goddess of luck, to the Inn. Perhaps there would be others here that would take up the fight with her. Opening the door and scanning the strange faces, she sits down at an empty table, back straight. Grey eyes survey the room without expression, finding the halfling with the shortsword and shortbow. That's one, perhaps. Rel breathes, remaining still. She forces her face to soften.
Warm sunlight filters in through the windows, it's a few hours since sunrise. A pale young woman wearing a simple loose linen blouse and overalls patched with colourful fabric walks out of a modest farmhouse with a spring in her steps. She pulls her long black and white hair into a loose braid and puts on a large sunhat at the door. Kicking on her leather boots, she easily jumps down from the front porch, foregoing the stairs. She waves to her dads who are lounging on a small shaded patio, somewhat far off to the side of the house. One waves back, the other raises his mug and nods.
Echo bends down to give a few pats and ear rubs to an old pudgy collie that had lazily followed her outside, "hey old girl, watch the house for us, yeah?" The collie yawns and plops down unceremoniously.
She laughs and turns to call out to her new friend- Khessa, who had just stayed for the night. "Ready when you are! Phandalin's not far now!" She checks a shabby mailbox for deliveries and takes out some letters addressed to her parents. She hops back to the front of the house and tosses them lightly on a small table on the porch and speaks up again: "we could stay for a meal at the Stonehill Inn!"
Khessa wakes up early in the morning, full of excitement at the idea of Echo accompanying her to Phandalin. The girl she met at the Thornhills farm had been so interested in hearing her stories, that Khessa stayed awake for a long time during the night telling her about the farm she had grown up on, about her large family (father, mother, two brothers and two sisters), about Twardens, her own tiny village... And, in the end, even explaining how everything had been brutally taken away from her, one hellish night, when a raid of drow slavers struck by surprise, annihilating the village and taking all survivors as slaves. The tall and well built blonde girl used the early hours of the day to perform her daily routine of power and endurance exercises, a habit she developed when she chose the life of an adventurer. She then insisted on helping the Thornhills with some work on the farm, to repay the hospitality received. After that, as soon as Echo was ready too, they began the journey to Phandalin.
Now, as they walk the last stretch of the route and the city is already in sight, Khessa can't help but notice their similarities, but also their obvious differences: "You know Echo? We are both young, tall... Seen from a long distance, we might look very similar. But up close... I, with my blonde, curly hair, my tanned skin, my blue eyes, dressed in iron and armed with steel " (she is referring to the chainmail she is wearing and the two big weapons resting on her back, a heavy maul and a mighty greatsword) "and you the opposite: with black, smooth hair, the palest skin I've ever seen, the eyes so black that iris and pupil are indistinguishable, no armor and almost no weapons... We look like two opposite aspects of something! I don't know, someone could call us 'the girls of the Moon and the Sun'." she laughs at the thought that someone might be interested in them, two girls who grew up on the farm, to the point of finding them a nickname.
"Speaking of that," it comes to Khessa's mind"I admit I've never met a person with skin this fair... and this thing you showed me last night, the way you can see in the dark... it's amazing, you know? If only I could do it too... It would have been incredibly useful during my escape from the Underdark!"
Not to mention how would it be incredibly useful when I return to the Underdark to take my family back! she thinks
And continues: "Is it a gift you inherited from your parents? The Thornhills does not seem as... peculiar as you are."
Now, as they walk the last stretch of the route and the city is already in sight, Khessa can't help but notice their similarities, but also their obvious differences: "You know Echo? We are both young, tall... Seen from a long distance, we might look very similar. But up close... I, with my blonde, curly hair, my tanned skin, my blue eyes, dressed in iron and armed with steel " (she is referring to the chainmail she is wearing and the two big weapons resting on her back, a heavy maul and a mighty greatsword) "and you the opposite: with black, smooth hair, the palest skin I've ever seen, the eyes so black that iris and pupil are indistinguishable, no armor and almost no weapons... We look like two opposite aspects of something! I don't know, someone could call us 'the girls of the Moon and the Sun'." she laughs at the thought that someone might be interested in them, two girls who grew up on the farm, to the point of finding them a nickname.
Echo giggles at the notion of being given a title like that and waves her hands in a jokingly 'awww you' manner, "I never thought about being connected to the sun and the moon like that! We'd be like sisters then! ... And maybe if I was somehow there with you, it wouldn't have been so hard for you, y'know?" She fidgets a little and you can see her growing a little sad over the fact that she can't possibly wrap her head around the kind of hardship Khessa went through. After a few moments, she pulls up a smile again and sidles up to Khessa, comparing their physique, "It's so cool you have these weapons, I've never thought of using one... Why hadn't I?? You've got to teach me sometimes!" She mimics a bit of what she imagines combative pose to be like, probably wildly incorrectly.
"Speaking of that," it comes to Khessa's mind"I admit I've never met a person with skin this fair... and this thing you showed me last night, the way you can see in the dark... it's amazing, you know? If only I could do it too... It would have been incredibly useful during my escape from the Underdark!"
Not to mention how would it be incredibly useful when I return to the Underdark to take my family back! she thinks
Tilting her head a bit confusedly, then reaching up to straighten her hat, Echo hums a bit in thought.
"Am I really that pale? I guess I do get sunburnt pretty easily? And the dark thing... I just... see like this? Papa said when I was little I'd just wander into the fields at night and it scared the lights out of them, but I don't know, it's weirder to me that they can't see."
And continues: "Is it a gift you inherited from your parents? The Thornhills does not seem as... peculiar as you are."
"Dad said they wished up a star and I was one of the shooting stars that arrived at their doorstep!" Echo smiles a bit wider, clearly fond of the stories her parents tell, then leans in to whisper not-so-stealthily: "between you and me though, I'm pretty sure I'm adopted. But don't tell anyone!"
... "I never thought about being connected to the sun and the moon like that! We'd be like sisters then! ... And maybe if I was somehow there with you, it wouldn't have been so hard for you, y'know?" She fidgets a little and you can see her growing a little sad over the fact that she can't possibly wrap her head around the kind of hardship Khessa went through....
Khessa puts her hand on the shoulder of this new 'sister' and looks into her eyes, deeply moved: "To call you a sister for me... this it's a beautiful thing you say, thank you. But I'm glad you weren't with me during the hellish night, because now you would probably be dead, like my brother Anator who tried to fight back, or still a prisoner of the drow, like the rest of my family. It would still have been hard for me... maybe even harder, because I would have lost one more sister. It is already wonderful to have met you now!" and embraces her.
..."It's so cool you have these weapons, I've never thought of using one... Why hadn't I?? You've got to teach me sometimes!" She mimics a bit of what she imagines combative pose to be like, probably wildly incorrectly.
"Oh," Khessa marvels "I thought you didn't carry heavy weapons like mine because you had other resources... Like the wizard who accompanied the drow slavers, who even without weapons and armor knew how to defend himself (and, I assure you, also how to attack) pronouncing strange formulas and gesticulating with his hands. If you want to learn, I'll be very glad to teach you! I train every morning; we will train together, from now on, if you like. You are in good shape, well balanced on your legs... You only have to grasp the basics, like keeping your legs more flexed, getting used to move your weight along with that of the weapon and such... and you'll be fine. Just one thing:" takes care to specify the blonde warrior"before you've learned the basics, DON'T throw yourself on the front line, right? Should there be trouble, simply try to stay behind me."
Tilting her head a bit confusedly, then reaching up to straighten her hat, Echo hums a bit in thought.
"Am I really that pale? I guess I do get sunburnt pretty easily? And the dark thing... I just... see like this? Papa said when I was little I'd just wander into the fields at night and it scared the lights out of them, but I don't know, it's weirder to me that they can't see."
"Oh, well, pale you are, Echo," speaks softly Khessa "but no need to worry too much about that. You know? Noble women are said to be very proud of the whiteness of their skin... Maybe one of your ancestor was a noble. Why we all others can't see in the dark still eludes me... I agre, it would be so much better to see in the dark like in daylight... No idea what's at play with that. But I'm glad of this ability of yours because... well, I... kind of... DON'T like darkness." her blue eyes have widened a bit... she is not saying it but... maybe is she scared? "Not a bit. I'll feel really relieved to have at my side someone that can see what happens should we end up with no light."
"Dad said they wished up a star and I was one of the shooting stars that arrived at their doorstep!" Echo smiles a bit wider, clearly fond of the stories her parents tell, then leans in to whisper not-so-stealthily: "between you and me though, I'm pretty sure I'm adopted. But don't tell anyone!"
Khessa winks "Adopted? No way I'd say such a thing. It is obvious to anyone that you must be a star..."
Speaking with her new 'sister', time has passed without Khessa noticing and both have now entered Phandalin. The tall warrior looks around: "This town looks like a metropolis compared to the five houses Twardens consisted of. I don't dare to think what it would mean, if this one too were to be destroyed! We really have to do our best to fix those monsters issue I have heared from. You are from here... in your opinion where should we start? Where might we get information about the current situation?"
Toblen Stonehill eyed the halfling with a friendly smile. Toblen was a human man who looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with chestnut brown hair and eyes.
"Aye, we've got porridge, a rasher of bacon and eggs, or if you're feelin' fancy, a ham and mushroom quiche," said Toblen genially.
"A big day ahead of yourself, eh? You look like the adventuring type." He eyed the halfling's gear. "If you're looking for work, ye might want to check out the Townmaster's Hall. There's a bounty board there full of quests that need doing. If you're as capable as you look, maybe you could do something about those damned orcs coming down from the mountains. If Neverwinter doesn't send help soon, this whole town mightn't be naught but a graveyard soon."
Toblen's warm brown eyes darken as he imagines the devastation the orcs could wreak.
@Sam
Hanging above the front door of this modest trading post is a sign shaped like a wooden shield with a blue lion painted on it. Welcome to the Lionshield Coster.
The master of the Phandalin post is a sharp-tongued human woman of thirty-five named Linene Graywind. Linene scrutinizes the elf with a frown.
"One question at a time, lad!" she cries. "If you're looking for arms and armor, you've come to the right place. I've got a nice set of chain mail here for 50 gold."
Before Jasper can reply, she picks up the potion and holds it up to the light. "Hmpf, I'll give you 25 gold for this." She says this in a tone that implies she is doing Jasper a great favor.
"You must be new in town," she harrumphs. "If you're the adventuring type, go check out the bounty board at Townmaster's Hall. As far as news goes, I've heard strange magic pervades Neverwinter Wood, confounding navigators and obscuring the ancient ruins of bygone kingdoms lost in its depths." Belying her own words, she snorts to show what she really thinks of this rumor.
@Tybard
The townmaster’s hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. The job board next to the front door features a sparse number of notices, all written in Common and in the same hand.
When Rel examines the bounty board, she finds the following notices posted:
"Adventurers needed urgently to take message of warning of white dragon to dwarven prospectors in the mountains southwest of Phandalin. If interested, see Harbin Wester at his residence on the east side of the village."
"Adventurers needed to persuade town midwife to return to her senses and come back to town. Doesn't she know there's a dragon on the loose? See Townmaster Harbin Wester."
"Adventurers needed to convince local clan of rock gnomes to give up their secrets and help us defeat this damned dragon. See the Townmaster for more information."
At the Townmaster's Hall, Rel's heart clenches when she reads the final message about the rock gnomes.
Can this be referring to Roywyn's clan? Did they have any secrets that could defeat a dragon? Not that I knew of, but perhaps that's why they are secrets. Lost now. Or perhaps this is a different clan that Roywyn and others may have fled to for protection from the orcs.
As of right now, Rel is more concerned about the orcs than some distant dragon, even if the dragon might be the root cause of things. The orcs were killing and looting now. Had killed her only friend for all she knows.
As for the townmaster's tasks, she has to admit, the town midwife seems like the most urgent one, given that the midwife is just one person, possibly alone and defenseless, and crucial to the well-being of others. If Umber Hulks attacked a nursery in Menzoberranzan, that would have been the highest priority of the elite warriors. The half-drow forces her shoulders square and walks through the town center into town, ignoring any odd glances. She notices the surface elf in the trading post, talking with the tough-seeming tradeswoman, but does not make eye contact.
In the Stonehill Inn, Rel, at first sitting alone, perks up when she hears the innkeeper speaking of the orcs attacking from the mountains. She approaches him and the halfling and interjects herself directly into their conversation, unaware of the discourtesy. Her Common spiced with a strange accent, quick and choppy. Words blunt and voice unemotional.
"The orcs have attacked. Perhaps not here. Yet. They came down from the mountains in a flood and they... my friends are gone." She looks at the halfling. "I am Rel Serafin. I have just looked at the quests posted at the Townmaster's Hall. I am looking for anyone who might join me in taking them on. Perhaps to convince the midwife to return first, or rescue her if needed."
Looking back at the Innkeeper. "I have very few coins. How much copper or silver for porridge and some water?"
The half-drow pulls up a chair at the halfling's table without being invited and stares at him unblinking with grey eyes, again, unaware of the rudeness. There are still some twigs and small debris clinging to her long silver hair, at odds with the her strange earrings, dangling dull and black, even darker than her skin.
“I, I thank you for the information.”Jasper says to Lilene. Jasper is a little taken back at Lilene’s responses realizing his anxious questions. Feeling slightly upset over the offer for the potion, Jasper still thinks to himself. ‘I really need this armor.’
Immediately responds by saying, “I’ll give you the potion and 25 gold pieces for the chain mail.”
After trade is made, or not, Jasper thanks Lilene for her time and heads to the entrance. Picks up his spear and shield and exits. Jasper proceeds to walk back to the Shrine to prepare for the day.
~ If trade was made, Jasper spends the next 15 minutes removing his leather armor and donning his new chain armor. Adjusting for comfort and ease of movement. Once finished, he sits on a stone bench and sits quietly in prayer. ~
"I'll start with the bacon and..." Falver starts to respond before being interrupted by this strange, dusky-skinned person.
Taken aback, he stares as the stranger, "Rel" sits at his table. But he quickly recovers. Something about the juxtaposition of the twigs and the earrings interests him, but he can't figure out what...
It takes him a moment before leaning over the counter and saying to Toblen:"Actually Toblen, I wanted to ask if there had been any strange travelers come through town recently. Possibly trying to sell off anything quickly? And I guess, two plates of bacon and eggs for .. Rel? .. and myself."
Falver sits and addresses Rel... "Unless you really wanted porridge? That's fine with me, I figured I would have a good start to the day. Now... let's talk. You mentioned orcs? I'm sorry to hear of your friends. Terrible losing loved ones like that.. And something about finding a midwife? And don't worry, I've got some money to spend on breakfast, my treat."
Meeting her grey eyes with his blue grey eyes, he adds: "I'm Falver, by the way. Pleasure to meet you."
Echo perks up at the mention of magic and excitedly does a flourish with her hands, and a shadowy clawed version of her hand apparates in front of the two and does a little wave to Khessa before dissipating like mist (She cast mage hand)."It's pretty cool but it's not really for fighting. And plus I don't know if this is really magic? It's a lot different to those big firey 'Whoosh' and 'Boom' spells mentioned in books and things." Taking in Khessa's words, Echo nods, "Gotcha! I'll remember to stay behind you but y'know, when it's dark, you can count on me too!"
As they reach Phandalin, Echo smiles and waves to a few of the townspeople and leads Khessa towards the town centre. "We can get some breakfast first at the Inn, I know you were just training earlier, and then go take a look at the Townmaster's Hall, that's where they post the jobs."
On the way to the Stonehill Inn {ooc: never figured out where Echo's home was, relative to Phandalin, so at this point I'm just making up the geography lol}, Echo spots a wood elf- Jasper. She hadn't had the chance to really meet him yet since he's always been busy, but small town gossip has talked about his good work, tending to the hurt. In the spur of the moment, catching him during downtime, she calls out to him: "Morning!"
Rel nods and waits expectantly for a moment for Falver to say his full name, but then relents. Roywyn and her clan often just used first names as well. A surface custom. Or maybe only among smaller humanoids like gnomes and halflings.
She thinks seriously about his offer of a larger, exotic breakfast common to the surface folk. She starts to say something about having nothing to give him in return but senses somehow that the halfling is not expecting anything in particular other than conversation. Serious conversation suits her just fine. And she is ravenously hungry.
"Falver... just Falver. I see you. By the glow of the Faerzress, I owe you and will repay you. Bacon and... eggs... yes, I would like them very much."
"But," she continues earnestly, "I did not visit the table intending to beg for food. You seem... capable. I hope to join with you. And other capable ones to rid this area of its threats. The orcs are the immediate danger. Perhaps one day this dragon..." (she seems less convinced about the latter) "On the townmaster's board, there were three tasks which I saw. Bringing the midwife back into town seemed the simplest and most immediate. Other tasks were to warn dwarves prospecting to the southwest of the dragon. And the third, to convince others to divulge a secret that might help defeat the dragon - clan of rock gnomes..." (her voice catches and she subsides).
She looks down for a moment. Her somewhat frayed and smudged, clothes, while earth-toned and seemingly adjusted from a fit that once was for someone much shorter, are embroidered in an intricate fashion reminiscent of gnomish garb.
"But I speak only of myself and my wishes. What has brought you to this part of the surface, Falver?" (She leaves the "just Falver" suffix unsaid this time).
Khessa opens her blue eyes wide in wonder and interest as she see Echo cast a spell: "It's magic indeed!" she exclaims"Just like what that drow wizard was able to do..." instinctively, she returns the greeting of the hand, waving as well, before it disappears "Maybe, in the morning, after we train with weapons, you could... I don't know... show me better how it's done..."
The tall blonde warrior tries to explain better : "You know, the slavers that raided Twardens had that damned drow wizard with them... and he, with his damned spells, was always so... crucial in helping the slavers... So much versatility... He, no matter the situation, seemed to always have some spell that could help his faction. I always found myself wondering how would it be, to be as resourceful. And during my escape I managed to steal his magic notes! I tried reading them by myself, but I understood too little... Maybe, keeping studying his notes, but also studying carefully how you can cast spells, one day I might finally learn to do it..."
"Oh, and by the way, don't underestimate your powers..." is excited Khessa "That hand you just shown me is no 'Whoosh' and 'Boom', I agree, but one thing I have learned in my - albeit still short - career as a warrior, is that you can use many weapons... but that, all in all, YOU are the weapon. You, with your strength, with your wits, with how you use everything you have available... Your hand may seem harmless, but... I see it can float... It could then sneak up on an enemy and pour acid on his head... or oil to set fire to... It can trigger, from distance, a trap that you have prepared. He can distract an enemy at the right moment... for example by opening a door behind him, at which point you could exclaim 'oh, friends, you finally came to help me...' and almost certainly the enemy would get distracted to check what's going on - and you you could hit him or flee. You will see, it is a spell that will be able to..." she smiles, playing with words "lend us a hand!"
The plan of her 'sister' about breakfast plus post looking sound awesome to Khessa and she eagerly follows. As Echo greats Jasper, the tall blonde warrior greats him as well: "Good morning! Are you a friend of Echo? Pleasure to meet you, I'm Khessa. I'm here because I'd like to try to do something about all those monsters issue I have heared about..."
Khessa opens her blue eyes wide in wonder and interest as she see Echo cast a spell: "It's magic indeed!" she exclaims"Just like what that drow wizard was able to do..." instinctively, she returns the greeting of the hand, waving as well, before it disappears "Maybe, in the morning, after we train with weapons, you could... I don't know... show me better how it's done..."
The tall blonde warrior tries to explain better : "You know, the slavers that raided Twardens had that damned drow wizard with them... and he, with his damned spells, was always so... crucial in helping the slavers... So much versatility... He, no matter the situation, seemed to always have some spell that could help his faction. I always found myself wondering how would it be, to be as resourceful. And during my escape I managed to steal his magic notes! I tried reading them by myself, but I understood too little... Maybe, keeping studying his notes, but also studying carefully how you can cast spells, one day I might finally learn to do it..."
"Oh, and by the way, don't underestimate your powers..." is excited Khessa "That hand you just shown me is no 'Whoosh' and 'Boom', I agree, but one thing I have learned in my - albeit still short - career as a warrior, is that you can use many weapons... but that, all in all, YOU are the weapon. You, with your strength, with your wits, with how you use everything you have available... Your hand may seem harmless, but... I see it can float... It could then sneak up on an enemy and pour acid on his head... or oil to set fire to... It can trigger, from distance, a trap that you have prepared. He can distract an enemy at the right moment... for example by opening a door behind him, at which point you could exclaim 'oh, friends, you finally came to help me...' and almost certainly the enemy would get distracted to check what's going on - and you you could hit him or flee. You will see, it is a spell that will be able to..." she smiles, playing with words "lend us a hand!"
(ooc: rewind time just a little for the conversation-)
Echo is momentarily mortified by the parallel between her and the evil wizard but is quickly distracted as Khessa shares her knowledge. She listens intently to all of Khessa's suggestions, eyes practically sparkling at the possibilities, though who knows how much of that she's actually going to remember. Every now and then, she summons up the mage hand and looks at it as if she hadn't had it for her entire life. Laughing a bit sheepishly, she says: "Woah I've never thought... I've only ever really used it when I needed an extra hand to help with the sheep shearing.Magic practice together would be so cool, I have fun tricks that I might be able to teach you too!" She snaps her fingers and creates a puff of sparkles, reflecting her giddiness (Prestidigitation).
Deep in thought, Jasper is startled by the sudden greeting. He opens his eyes and sees standing in front of him two tall women. One is clad in armor and the other, the pale young woman Echo Thornhill. Jasper attempts to steady his nerves, stands up and greets the two. Jasper gestures, hand from forehead to chest in an outward, giving motion and says, “Good morning! I am Jasper of the(he stops himself. Clears his throat and continues)Jasper Mooncrest. Pleasure to meet you as well Khessa. With a slight pause, Jasper looks to Echo. No, I have not met Echo. (Holding his breathe, Jasper gestures again)How may I be of service?”
After hearing more about the orc troubles in the area, Jasper offers his service to Khessa’s endeavor. Maybe just to ease the suffering he’s witnessed but thinking to himself, ‘Though, just to keep an eye out for…’
“I have been told that the Town Master has postings of work. Shall we go there first and secure an agreement?” Careful not to linger any looks in echo’s direction. Jasper gathers his things and holds spear and shield in hand, gripping tight. Jasper walks along side Khessa opposite of Echo. Keeping pace a half step behind.
"We are heading to the Inn for breakfast, then we had in mind just to go take a look at the Townmaster's Hall!" Khessa explains enthusiastically to Jasper "I'm glad you come with us, things will be easier if we work together... Plus, we might find someone other willing to join us at the Inn! Eventual adventurers looking for work are likely to have spent the night there."
She winks at Echo: "The Sisters of the Moon and the Sun have just found some help!"
As they finally enter Stonehill Inn, Khessa looks around for a moment, and freezes abruptly, in utter shock, as soon she sees, sitting at a table with an acorn colored hair halfling...
...One of them!? Pointed ears, black skin, silvery hair... It must be... But no, easy Khessa! It can not be... If that drow had bad intentions, she wouldn't sit quietly at a table... Unless, of course, she is here to spy! She is taller than the average drow, by the way. Reminds me of Zrutt, that big drow brute that killed my brother Anator. My poor brother...
So many bad memories are overwhelming Khessa all of a sudden... The tall blonde woman seems unable to do anything else but stare with her blue eyes at the black skinned one, at the moment.
In the midst of conversation with Falver, Rel sees the door open and the new entrants. She stands up suddenly and instinctively, wordless at first. Feral, with her dull black earrings dangling against her silver hair, soiled with a bit of debris. A small leaf flutters loose and down to the floor. Silent, grey eyes gazing at...
A surface elf. One of the forest sub-races perhaps? The one I think I saw earlier in the trading post. Could be trouble. And a pale female whose race I cannot identify.
But it is the human whose gaze Rel's eyes lock with, sensing the energy and danger in the stare... she repeats to herself mentally as if a mantra...
No surface elf or human has ever done me harm. No surface elf or human has ever done me harm...
Though I am sure some might. Like this one here.
Yet it is the drow who I have seen do the harm. Like my mother. The entire Mizzrym family. And on the surface, the orcs. The cursed orcs. Still... even the gnomes of Roywyn's clan weren't always exactly... friendly... with all humans or surface elves. This is dangerous.
Mind racing, Rel attempts through sheer force of will to break through a lifetime of bias ingrained in her subconscious. She keeps her hands well away from her daggers and light crossbow. Straining with an effort not to grit her teeth. She says simply in a flat voice, accent strange and choppy:
"I am Rel Serafin. I am new to Phandalin and fairly new to the surface. I hope to help with the orcs. They attacked my friends. Probably killed them. Help with the orcs... and the dragon."
Khessa does not know exactly what to think. She came here looking for fellow adventurers... but... this one?
Some deity, probably one with mischief in its portfolio, must have decided to grant my wish in its own way. On the other hand, what better way to keep an eye on this drow than having her at my side? If she'll try to do harm, I'll be the first to know and I'll be able to stop her - maybe permanently.
Trying to be as kind as she can (but failing to suppress a not negligible degree of coldness in her voice) Khessa replies to Rel: "Well, Rel Serafin. I'm Khessa. Khessa Cabbagefield. I must say you are the most peaceful drow I ever met. You..." she looks at her carefully "...yes, I'm sure. You were not among the drow slavers that razed my village, killed my brother, enslaved the rest of my family and made me experiment what living hell really is, before I was able to free myself".
Now that she has looked so closely at her, the tall blonde woman also notices that the features of the other look slightly different from those of the other drow she met. What this will mean?
"I'm glad you, on the contrary, wish to help us... how it is that your lot calls us? 'Surface dwellers?' Anyway..." Khessa forces herself to smile"well, welcome among us. If you are telling the truth, i will defend you to my last breath. But rest assured that I'll keep an eye on you, so your intentions better be what you just stated".
Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin’s residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster’s hall, is a job board for adventurers.
The adventure begins! Please introduce your characters. You do not have to meet up all at once. Eventually though you should all come together at the Townmaster's Hall. I recommend starting out at the Stonehill Inn.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
Falver arrived in Phandalin last night, late enough in the evening to see many of the patrons of the Stonehill Inn had already eaten their dinners and were moving on to their drinks. As he walked into the inn, (paying for a drink and a room for the night ), he surveyed the locals gathered in their groups. They seemed friendly enough, with enough drink flowing to loosen most tongues. He listened for anything that might spark a memory... a small wind of a hint of his quarry.
The evening passed, and Falver made his way up to the modest room he rented for the night.
In the morning, he made his way down the stairs to the common room. His acorn colored hair was still a bit disheveled from his sleep, but he was awake and aware. Blue eyes that usually peered out from under his gray travelling cloak were still adjusting to the morning light. His brown leather belt held a leather cartographers tool kit on one hip, his short sword on the other... he slid his pack from his back, the shortbow lashed to the side of it with his quiver of arrows. Scanning the room, he made his way to who he thought looked like the inn keeper and asked:
"Good morning, are there any breakfast items available? I have a feeling I might have a full day ahead of myself..."
On this night, Jasper stayed at the Shrine to work on a healing potion to take to the Lionshield Coster in the morning. After a long night of work, he moves his things to the side and empties a pouch with moonstones. Arranged them deliberately and presents his symbol of Moon Maiden. Jasper begins his meditative rest.
An hour or so past sunrise, Jasper opens his eyes and prays to his Goddess for guidance and strength for the day to come. Takes some time to eat some dried meat and berries. He cleans himself up with a little water splash in the face, gathers his things and heads to the Lionshield. Walks up the stairs and enters the building. Jasper sets his spear and shield down inside the door. Looking around at the interior walls and ceiling, he feels a bit uneasy. Noticeably uncomfortable walks up to the counter. Jasper anxiously speaks to the person at the counter.
“Uhhh…Good morning to you. Mmmight I ask you about your armor for sale or trade?”
And with this, I pull a stoppered vial from my belt and lay it on the counter.
“This is a healing potion I made. I made it last night. And I am looking for some armor. To trade? Maybe a chain shirt.”
Jasper breathes heavily. Gripping his belt.
”Any news about the trail? Attacks?”
Looking on expectantly.
”Im looking for some work. Would you know of any travelers in need of assistance?”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
The screams seemed to go on forever in her ears. Even when she had run far enough away that it could only be her imagination. Three days ago, or was it four? No matter. It was part of her now. The screaming of the gnomes, her friend Roywyn's clan, as they were cut down by the marauding orcs. A tiny echo of the cataclysm years ago much farther beneath the earth when demons had broken free in the depths of Menzoberranzan. When she and Roywyn, back then a slave, had fled amidst the chaos. The slave and the half-breed. Eventually finding their way to the surface and back to Roywyn's family who had welcomed them both. There had been thousands of screams, down in the Underdark, some in terror, some in glee and bloodlust. Just as there had been glee and bloodlust amidst the terror with the orcs the other night.
Rel shudders and steels herself, hugging her knees and trying to will herself to sleep as she sits hunched against a tree in the woods to the east of the little mining town in the foothills. She touches her earrings for luck. Dull black, darker even than her own skin. She finally nods off and oblivion takes her as she enters her trance.
In the morning, she wakes and shakes the leaves and dirt from her long, straight silver hair.
I've made a new beginning before. I can do it again. What other choice is there?
Rel consciously resists the inclination to hunch her shoulders at the looks she knows will come her way. She forces herself to walk confidently west into the town. As if she belongs there. Which she surely does not. She passes the Townmaster's Hall and notices the job postings. Down to her last coppers, it may be a chance, if the quaint and strange surface people here would give her that chance as Roywyn and her fellow gnomes had. She stares for a time, trying to memorize the postings.
This town may well be in the same danger as the gnomes were. Time to fight back.
Finally, she wills herself through the center of the town, village really, past the empty shrine to the surface elves' goddess of luck, to the Inn. Perhaps there would be others here that would take up the fight with her. Opening the door and scanning the strange faces, she sits down at an empty table, back straight. Grey eyes survey the room without expression, finding the halfling with the shortsword and shortbow. That's one, perhaps. Rel breathes, remaining still. She forces her face to soften.
A chance.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Warm sunlight filters in through the windows, it's a few hours since sunrise. A pale young woman wearing a simple loose linen blouse and overalls patched with colourful fabric walks out of a modest farmhouse with a spring in her steps. She pulls her long black and white hair into a loose braid and puts on a large sunhat at the door. Kicking on her leather boots, she easily jumps down from the front porch, foregoing the stairs. She waves to her dads who are lounging on a small shaded patio, somewhat far off to the side of the house. One waves back, the other raises his mug and nods.
Echo bends down to give a few pats and ear rubs to an old pudgy collie that had lazily followed her outside, "hey old girl, watch the house for us, yeah?" The collie yawns and plops down unceremoniously.
She laughs and turns to call out to her new friend- Khessa, who had just stayed for the night. "Ready when you are! Phandalin's not far now!" She checks a shabby mailbox for deliveries and takes out some letters addressed to her parents. She hops back to the front of the house and tosses them lightly on a small table on the porch and speaks up again: "we could stay for a meal at the Stonehill Inn!"
Khessa wakes up early in the morning, full of excitement at the idea of Echo accompanying her to Phandalin.
The girl she met at the Thornhills farm had been so interested in hearing her stories, that Khessa stayed awake for a long time during the night telling her about the farm she had grown up on, about her large family (father, mother, two brothers and two sisters), about Twardens, her own tiny village... And, in the end, even explaining how everything had been brutally taken away from her, one hellish night, when a raid of drow slavers struck by surprise, annihilating the village and taking all survivors as slaves.
The tall and well built blonde girl used the early hours of the day to perform her daily routine of power and endurance exercises, a habit she developed when she chose the life of an adventurer. She then insisted on helping the Thornhills with some work on the farm, to repay the hospitality received. After that, as soon as Echo was ready too, they began the journey to Phandalin.
Now, as they walk the last stretch of the route and the city is already in sight, Khessa can't help but notice their similarities, but also their obvious differences: "You know Echo? We are both young, tall... Seen from a long distance, we might look very similar. But up close... I, with my blonde, curly hair, my tanned skin, my blue eyes, dressed in iron and armed with steel " (she is referring to the chainmail she is wearing and the two big weapons resting on her back, a heavy maul and a mighty greatsword) "and you the opposite: with black, smooth hair, the palest skin I've ever seen, the eyes so black that iris and pupil are indistinguishable, no armor and almost no weapons... We look like two opposite aspects of something! I don't know, someone could call us 'the girls of the Moon and the Sun'." she laughs at the thought that someone might be interested in them, two girls who grew up on the farm, to the point of finding them a nickname.
"Speaking of that," it comes to Khessa's mind "I admit I've never met a person with skin this fair... and this thing you showed me last night, the way you can see in the dark... it's amazing, you know? If only I could do it too... It would have been incredibly useful during my escape from the Underdark!"
Not to mention how would it be incredibly useful when I return to the Underdark to take my family back! she thinks
And continues: "Is it a gift you inherited from your parents? The Thornhills does not seem as... peculiar as you are."
Echo giggles at the notion of being given a title like that and waves her hands in a jokingly 'awww you' manner, "I never thought about being connected to the sun and the moon like that! We'd be like sisters then! ... And maybe if I was somehow there with you, it wouldn't have been so hard for you, y'know?" She fidgets a little and you can see her growing a little sad over the fact that she can't possibly wrap her head around the kind of hardship Khessa went through. After a few moments, she pulls up a smile again and sidles up to Khessa, comparing their physique, "It's so cool you have these weapons, I've never thought of using one... Why hadn't I?? You've got to teach me sometimes!" She mimics a bit of what she imagines combative pose to be like, probably wildly incorrectly.
Tilting her head a bit confusedly, then reaching up to straighten her hat, Echo hums a bit in thought.
"Am I really that pale? I guess I do get sunburnt pretty easily? And the dark thing... I just... see like this? Papa said when I was little I'd just wander into the fields at night and it scared the lights out of them, but I don't know, it's weirder to me that they can't see."
"Dad said they wished up a star and I was one of the shooting stars that arrived at their doorstep!" Echo smiles a bit wider, clearly fond of the stories her parents tell, then leans in to whisper not-so-stealthily: "between you and me though, I'm pretty sure I'm adopted. But don't tell anyone!"
Khessa puts her hand on the shoulder of this new 'sister' and looks into her eyes, deeply moved: "To call you a sister for me... this it's a beautiful thing you say, thank you. But I'm glad you weren't with me during the hellish night, because now you would probably be dead, like my brother Anator who tried to fight back, or still a prisoner of the drow, like the rest of my family. It would still have been hard for me... maybe even harder, because I would have lost one more sister. It is already wonderful to have met you now!" and embraces her.
"Oh," Khessa marvels "I thought you didn't carry heavy weapons like mine because you had other resources... Like the wizard who accompanied the drow slavers, who even without weapons and armor knew how to defend himself (and, I assure you, also how to attack) pronouncing strange formulas and gesticulating with his hands. If you want to learn, I'll be very glad to teach you! I train every morning; we will train together, from now on, if you like. You are in good shape, well balanced on your legs... You only have to grasp the basics, like keeping your legs more flexed, getting used to move your weight along with that of the weapon and such... and you'll be fine. Just one thing:" takes care to specify the blonde warrior "before you've learned the basics, DON'T throw yourself on the front line, right? Should there be trouble, simply try to stay behind me."
"Oh, well, pale you are, Echo," speaks softly Khessa "but no need to worry too much about that. You know? Noble women are said to be very proud of the whiteness of their skin... Maybe one of your ancestor was a noble. Why we all others can't see in the dark still eludes me... I agre, it would be so much better to see in the dark like in daylight... No idea what's at play with that. But I'm glad of this ability of yours because... well, I... kind of... DON'T like darkness." her blue eyes have widened a bit... she is not saying it but... maybe is she scared? "Not a bit. I'll feel really relieved to have at my side someone that can see what happens should we end up with no light."
Khessa winks "Adopted? No way I'd say such a thing. It is obvious to anyone that you must be a star..."
Speaking with her new 'sister', time has passed without Khessa noticing and both have now entered Phandalin. The tall warrior looks around: "This town looks like a metropolis compared to the five houses Twardens consisted of. I don't dare to think what it would mean, if this one too were to be destroyed! We really have to do our best to fix those monsters issue I have heared from. You are from here... in your opinion where should we start? Where might we get information about the current situation?"
@JoshuaDavis:
Toblen Stonehill eyed the halfling with a friendly smile. Toblen was a human man who looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with chestnut brown hair and eyes.
"Aye, we've got porridge, a rasher of bacon and eggs, or if you're feelin' fancy, a ham and mushroom quiche," said Toblen genially.
"A big day ahead of yourself, eh? You look like the adventuring type." He eyed the halfling's gear. "If you're looking for work, ye might want to check out the Townmaster's Hall. There's a bounty board there full of quests that need doing. If you're as capable as you look, maybe you could do something about those damned orcs coming down from the mountains. If Neverwinter doesn't send help soon, this whole town mightn't be naught but a graveyard soon."
Toblen's warm brown eyes darken as he imagines the devastation the orcs could wreak.
@Sam
Hanging above the front door of this modest trading post is a sign shaped like a wooden shield with a blue lion painted on it. Welcome to the Lionshield Coster.
The master of the Phandalin post is a sharp-tongued human woman of thirty-five named Linene Graywind. Linene scrutinizes the elf with a frown.
"One question at a time, lad!" she cries. "If you're looking for arms and armor, you've come to the right place. I've got a nice set of chain mail here for 50 gold."
Before Jasper can reply, she picks up the potion and holds it up to the light. "Hmpf, I'll give you 25 gold for this." She says this in a tone that implies she is doing Jasper a great favor.
"You must be new in town," she harrumphs. "If you're the adventuring type, go check out the bounty board at Townmaster's Hall. As far as news goes, I've heard strange magic pervades Neverwinter Wood, confounding navigators and obscuring the ancient ruins of bygone kingdoms lost in its depths." Belying her own words, she snorts to show what she really thinks of this rumor.
@Tybard
The townmaster’s hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. The job board next to the front door features a sparse number of notices, all written in Common and in the same hand.
When Rel examines the bounty board, she finds the following notices posted:
"Adventurers needed urgently to take message of warning of white dragon to dwarven prospectors in the mountains southwest of Phandalin. If interested, see Harbin Wester at his residence on the east side of the village."
"Adventurers needed to persuade town midwife to return to her senses and come back to town. Doesn't she know there's a dragon on the loose? See Townmaster Harbin Wester."
"Adventurers needed to convince local clan of rock gnomes to give up their secrets and help us defeat this damned dragon. See the Townmaster for more information."
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
At the Townmaster's Hall, Rel's heart clenches when she reads the final message about the rock gnomes.
Can this be referring to Roywyn's clan? Did they have any secrets that could defeat a dragon? Not that I knew of, but perhaps that's why they are secrets. Lost now. Or perhaps this is a different clan that Roywyn and others may have fled to for protection from the orcs.
As of right now, Rel is more concerned about the orcs than some distant dragon, even if the dragon might be the root cause of things. The orcs were killing and looting now. Had killed her only friend for all she knows.
As for the townmaster's tasks, she has to admit, the town midwife seems like the most urgent one, given that the midwife is just one person, possibly alone and defenseless, and crucial to the well-being of others. If Umber Hulks attacked a nursery in Menzoberranzan, that would have been the highest priority of the elite warriors. The half-drow forces her shoulders square and walks through the town center into town, ignoring any odd glances. She notices the surface elf in the trading post, talking with the tough-seeming tradeswoman, but does not make eye contact.
In the Stonehill Inn, Rel, at first sitting alone, perks up when she hears the innkeeper speaking of the orcs attacking from the mountains. She approaches him and the halfling and interjects herself directly into their conversation, unaware of the discourtesy. Her Common spiced with a strange accent, quick and choppy. Words blunt and voice unemotional.
"The orcs have attacked. Perhaps not here. Yet. They came down from the mountains in a flood and they... my friends are gone." She looks at the halfling. "I am Rel Serafin. I have just looked at the quests posted at the Townmaster's Hall. I am looking for anyone who might join me in taking them on. Perhaps to convince the midwife to return first, or rescue her if needed."
Looking back at the Innkeeper. "I have very few coins. How much copper or silver for porridge and some water?"
The half-drow pulls up a chair at the halfling's table without being invited and stares at him unblinking with grey eyes, again, unaware of the rudeness. There are still some twigs and small debris clinging to her long silver hair, at odds with the her strange earrings, dangling dull and black, even darker than her skin.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
“I, I thank you for the information.” Jasper says to Lilene. Jasper is a little taken back at Lilene’s responses realizing his anxious questions. Feeling slightly upset over the offer for the potion, Jasper still thinks to himself. ‘I really need this armor.’
Immediately responds by saying, “I’ll give you the potion and 25 gold pieces for the chain mail.”
After trade is made, or not, Jasper thanks Lilene for her time and heads to the entrance. Picks up his spear and shield and exits. Jasper proceeds to walk back to the Shrine to prepare for the day.
~ If trade was made, Jasper spends the next 15 minutes removing his leather armor and donning his new chain armor. Adjusting for comfort and ease of movement. Once finished, he sits on a stone bench and sits quietly in prayer. ~
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"I'll start with the bacon and..." Falver starts to respond before being interrupted by this strange, dusky-skinned person.
Taken aback, he stares as the stranger, "Rel" sits at his table. But he quickly recovers. Something about the juxtaposition of the twigs and the earrings interests him, but he can't figure out what...
It takes him a moment before leaning over the counter and saying to Toblen: "Actually Toblen, I wanted to ask if there had been any strange travelers come through town recently. Possibly trying to sell off anything quickly? And I guess, two plates of bacon and eggs for .. Rel? .. and myself."
Falver sits and addresses Rel... "Unless you really wanted porridge? That's fine with me, I figured I would have a good start to the day. Now... let's talk. You mentioned orcs? I'm sorry to hear of your friends. Terrible losing loved ones like that.. And something about finding a midwife? And don't worry, I've got some money to spend on breakfast, my treat."
Meeting her grey eyes with his blue grey eyes, he adds: "I'm Falver, by the way. Pleasure to meet you."
Echo perks up at the mention of magic and excitedly does a flourish with her hands, and a shadowy clawed version of her hand apparates in front of the two and does a little wave to Khessa before dissipating like mist (She cast mage hand). "It's pretty cool but it's not really for fighting. And plus I don't know if this is really magic? It's a lot different to those big firey 'Whoosh' and 'Boom' spells mentioned in books and things." Taking in Khessa's words, Echo nods, "Gotcha! I'll remember to stay behind you but y'know, when it's dark, you can count on me too!"
As they reach Phandalin, Echo smiles and waves to a few of the townspeople and leads Khessa towards the town centre. "We can get some breakfast first at the Inn, I know you were just training earlier, and then go take a look at the Townmaster's Hall, that's where they post the jobs."
On the way to the Stonehill Inn {ooc: never figured out where Echo's home was, relative to Phandalin, so at this point I'm just making up the geography lol}, Echo spots a wood elf- Jasper. She hadn't had the chance to really meet him yet since he's always been busy, but small town gossip has talked about his good work, tending to the hurt. In the spur of the moment, catching him during downtime, she calls out to him: "Morning!"
Rel nods and waits expectantly for a moment for Falver to say his full name, but then relents. Roywyn and her clan often just used first names as well. A surface custom. Or maybe only among smaller humanoids like gnomes and halflings.
She thinks seriously about his offer of a larger, exotic breakfast common to the surface folk. She starts to say something about having nothing to give him in return but senses somehow that the halfling is not expecting anything in particular other than conversation. Serious conversation suits her just fine. And she is ravenously hungry.
"Falver... just Falver. I see you. By the glow of the Faerzress, I owe you and will repay you. Bacon and... eggs... yes, I would like them very much."
"But," she continues earnestly, "I did not visit the table intending to beg for food. You seem... capable. I hope to join with you. And other capable ones to rid this area of its threats. The orcs are the immediate danger. Perhaps one day this dragon..." (she seems less convinced about the latter) "On the townmaster's board, there were three tasks which I saw. Bringing the midwife back into town seemed the simplest and most immediate. Other tasks were to warn dwarves prospecting to the southwest of the dragon. And the third, to convince others to divulge a secret that might help defeat the dragon - clan of rock gnomes..." (her voice catches and she subsides).
She looks down for a moment. Her somewhat frayed and smudged, clothes, while earth-toned and seemingly adjusted from a fit that once was for someone much shorter, are embroidered in an intricate fashion reminiscent of gnomish garb.
"But I speak only of myself and my wishes. What has brought you to this part of the surface, Falver?" (She leaves the "just Falver" suffix unsaid this time).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Khessa opens her blue eyes wide in wonder and interest as she see Echo cast a spell: "It's magic indeed!" she exclaims "Just like what that drow wizard was able to do..." instinctively, she returns the greeting of the hand, waving as well, before it disappears "Maybe, in the morning, after we train with weapons, you could... I don't know... show me better how it's done..."
The tall blonde warrior tries to explain better : "You know, the slavers that raided Twardens had that damned drow wizard with them... and he, with his damned spells, was always so... crucial in helping the slavers... So much versatility... He, no matter the situation, seemed to always have some spell that could help his faction. I always found myself wondering how would it be, to be as resourceful. And during my escape I managed to steal his magic notes! I tried reading them by myself, but I understood too little... Maybe, keeping studying his notes, but also studying carefully how you can cast spells, one day I might finally learn to do it..."
"Oh, and by the way, don't underestimate your powers..." is excited Khessa "That hand you just shown me is no 'Whoosh' and 'Boom', I agree, but one thing I have learned in my - albeit still short - career as a warrior, is that you can use many weapons... but that, all in all, YOU are the weapon. You, with your strength, with your wits, with how you use everything you have available... Your hand may seem harmless, but... I see it can float... It could then sneak up on an enemy and pour acid on his head... or oil to set fire to... It can trigger, from distance, a trap that you have prepared. He can distract an enemy at the right moment... for example by opening a door behind him, at which point you could exclaim 'oh, friends, you finally came to help me...' and almost certainly the enemy would get distracted to check what's going on - and you you could hit him or flee. You will see, it is a spell that will be able to..." she smiles, playing with words "lend us a hand!"
The plan of her 'sister' about breakfast plus post looking sound awesome to Khessa and she eagerly follows. As Echo greats Jasper, the tall blonde warrior greats him as well: "Good morning! Are you a friend of Echo? Pleasure to meet you, I'm Khessa. I'm here because I'd like to try to do something about all those monsters issue I have heared about..."
(ooc: rewind time just a little for the conversation-)
Echo is momentarily mortified by the parallel between her and the evil wizard but is quickly distracted as Khessa shares her knowledge. She listens intently to all of Khessa's suggestions, eyes practically sparkling at the possibilities, though who knows how much of that she's actually going to remember. Every now and then, she summons up the mage hand and looks at it as if she hadn't had it for her entire life. Laughing a bit sheepishly, she says: "Woah I've never thought... I've only ever really used it when I needed an extra hand to help with the sheep shearing. Magic practice together would be so cool, I have fun tricks that I might be able to teach you too!" She snaps her fingers and creates a puff of sparkles, reflecting her giddiness (Prestidigitation).
Deep in thought, Jasper is startled by the sudden greeting. He opens his eyes and sees standing in front of him two tall women. One is clad in armor and the other, the pale young woman Echo Thornhill. Jasper attempts to steady his nerves, stands up and greets the two. Jasper gestures, hand from forehead to chest in an outward, giving motion and says, “Good morning! I am Jasper of the(he stops himself. Clears his throat and continues) Jasper Mooncrest. Pleasure to meet you as well Khessa. With a slight pause, Jasper looks to Echo. No, I have not met Echo. (Holding his breathe, Jasper gestures again) How may I be of service?”
After hearing more about the orc troubles in the area, Jasper offers his service to Khessa’s endeavor. Maybe just to ease the suffering he’s witnessed but thinking to himself, ‘Though, just to keep an eye out for…’
“I have been told that the Town Master has postings of work. Shall we go there first and secure an agreement?” Careful not to linger any looks in echo’s direction. Jasper gathers his things and holds spear and shield in hand, gripping tight.
Jasper walks along side Khessa opposite of Echo. Keeping pace a half step behind.
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"We are heading to the Inn for breakfast, then we had in mind just to go take a look at the Townmaster's Hall!" Khessa explains enthusiastically to Jasper "I'm glad you come with us, things will be easier if we work together... Plus, we might find someone other willing to join us at the Inn! Eventual adventurers looking for work are likely to have spent the night there."
She winks at Echo: "The Sisters of the Moon and the Sun have just found some help!"
As they finally enter Stonehill Inn, Khessa looks around for a moment, and freezes abruptly, in utter shock, as soon she sees, sitting at a table with an acorn colored hair halfling...
...One of them!? Pointed ears, black skin, silvery hair... It must be... But no, easy Khessa! It can not be... If that drow had bad intentions, she wouldn't sit quietly at a table... Unless, of course, she is here to spy! She is taller than the average drow, by the way. Reminds me of Zrutt, that big drow brute that killed my brother Anator. My poor brother...
So many bad memories are overwhelming Khessa all of a sudden... The tall blonde woman seems unable to do anything else but stare with her blue eyes at the black skinned one, at the moment.
In the midst of conversation with Falver, Rel sees the door open and the new entrants. She stands up suddenly and instinctively, wordless at first. Feral, with her dull black earrings dangling against her silver hair, soiled with a bit of debris. A small leaf flutters loose and down to the floor. Silent, grey eyes gazing at...
A surface elf. One of the forest sub-races perhaps? The one I think I saw earlier in the trading post. Could be trouble. And a pale female whose race I cannot identify.
But it is the human whose gaze Rel's eyes lock with, sensing the energy and danger in the stare... she repeats to herself mentally as if a mantra...
No surface elf or human has ever done me harm. No surface elf or human has ever done me harm...
Though I am sure some might. Like this one here.
Yet it is the drow who I have seen do the harm. Like my mother. The entire Mizzrym family. And on the surface, the orcs. The cursed orcs. Still... even the gnomes of Roywyn's clan weren't always exactly... friendly... with all humans or surface elves. This is dangerous.
Mind racing, Rel attempts through sheer force of will to break through a lifetime of bias ingrained in her subconscious. She keeps her hands well away from her daggers and light crossbow. Straining with an effort not to grit her teeth. She says simply in a flat voice, accent strange and choppy:
"I am Rel Serafin. I am new to Phandalin and fairly new to the surface. I hope to help with the orcs. They attacked my friends. Probably killed them. Help with the orcs... and the dragon."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Khessa does not know exactly what to think. She came here looking for fellow adventurers... but... this one?
Some deity, probably one with mischief in its portfolio, must have decided to grant my wish in its own way. On the other hand, what better way to keep an eye on this drow than having her at my side? If she'll try to do harm, I'll be the first to know and I'll be able to stop her - maybe permanently.
Trying to be as kind as she can (but failing to suppress a not negligible degree of coldness in her voice) Khessa replies to Rel: "Well, Rel Serafin. I'm Khessa. Khessa Cabbagefield. I must say you are the most peaceful drow I ever met. You..." she looks at her carefully "...yes, I'm sure. You were not among the drow slavers that razed my village, killed my brother, enslaved the rest of my family and made me experiment what living hell really is, before I was able to free myself".
Now that she has looked so closely at her, the tall blonde woman also notices that the features of the other look slightly different from those of the other drow she met. What this will mean?
"I'm glad you, on the contrary, wish to help us... how it is that your lot calls us? 'Surface dwellers?' Anyway..." Khessa forces herself to smile "well, welcome among us. If you are telling the truth, i will defend you to my last breath. But rest assured that I'll keep an eye on you, so your intentions better be what you just stated".