OOC > Welcome to the Cottage on the Long Road, an adventure by Travis Legge I bought from the DM’s Guild. Thank you all for agreeing to play. Let’s have some fun!
IMPORTANT: Remember that we’re rewinding the clock a little. Criella will burst in presently, but I’m making some space for you all to interact and meet each other.
=====
The snow is swirling outside of the Dashing Satyr, a small inn, tavern, and general store a day north of Waterdeep. The structure sits by itself, a few cart lengths off the Long Road, which connects Waterdeep to Amphail and lands further north. The Satyr is both a waypost for travelers and a watering hole for the farmers in the area. It is a low, single-story building, a common room in front, a handful of sleeping rooms for rent at the back, and a separate stable to the side. There are a few mature trees in the yard and behind the building, but the terrain for the most part is open farmland.
The sun has dropped below the horizon, and even though it is early winter yet, the cold has driven everyone indoors.
Inside, a fire is roaring in the fireplace on the left wall of the common area, a good sized room with eight trestle tables and a mix of low stools and benches. All of the tables are occupied—though not all are full—mostly with locals, farmers in homespun, some with their families, their cold weather clothes laid out over the tables or benches. The hubbub of voices and the clatter of dishes makes for a pretty lively racket.
A door near the back wall leads to a small corridor and the 5 smallish rooms available for rent. A doorway on the right wall, next to the bar, leads to a back room, and has a sign above the door labeled “Store.” Another doorway behind the bar leads to what is clearly the kitchen. The bar has a curiously black lacquered top that looks decidedly foreign, but is quite pretty. On the wall behind it, along with the expected bottles and glasses are curiosities from a far foreign land, carved dragons, vases, a twisty dagger, and a curious helm with horns and an angry demon faceplate.
The owner, a stout human Shou woman in her late forties named Wan Bai, is visiting the tables, delivering drinks or stopping to talk. She is covered in intricate tattoos of dragons and flowers. A human girl is taking care of most of the serving, while a male half-orc behind the bar moves in and out of the kitchen with orders. You catch sight of a human cook in that back room.
One of the tables near the fire is dominated by three out of place characters, one a squat, powerfully built male half-orc with a wide grin, another a tall male human, fair skinned and muscled, with blue tattoos who is laughing and prodding the half orc, and the third a young male halfling staring quizzically into his drink. They are loud and at ease, and clearly have been here for a while.
The other patrons have given them a bit of space, though Wan Bai is happy to keep plying them with drink and food in exchange for their coin.
The door opens, and a young human woman steps in, shaking the snow from her wrap and stamping her boots. Closing the door behind her, she looks about the room, and when her eyes land on the tattooed barbarian, they flutter and roll up just briefly, and she puts out a hand to steady herself. Then she stands straight again.
=====
OOC > And we’re all here. I may not have called out all the characters yet, but you’re all now in the common room of the Dashing Satyr. Feel free to introduce yourselves, tell us what you’re doing, and let’s get this thing going.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
All characters except Vanja should deduct 5 sp for a room (the three of you boys could share, but there's only one bed per room, you decide). Also, deduct a standard meal price, 3 silver each, and the three guys have spent 5 gp on wine so far, between you. Spendy, but good.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
(Drusk has spent 4 gp so far: 5 sp on the room, 9 sp for the meals for himself/Jorin/Hildigrim, and 2 gp towards the wine/sah-kay tab. The leftover SP is a tip for the servers. Jorin and Hildigrim are welcome to sleep on the floor of his room or to drag a cot in, but Drusk is taking the bed.)
Drusk the half-orc left his shield upstairs, but almost never leaves his mace behind, even at the dinner table. People nearby will be able to see that the mace head has a smiley-face in yellow paint on it, although that is partially covered up by old blood spatters.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim complained a little when Drusk picked up the tab for the meals and drinks ... but not too much. "A thousand thank yous," the halfling finally says, giving the half-orc a big grin and a bow of the head in mock ceremonial fashion. "Next time, though," he warns, giving his patron a wink and pointing a stubby finger at his own chest. He was also more than willing to make a nest on Drusk's room floor with a blanket, saying, "Mother always said I could be comfortable balancing on a pin top so long as a I had a book under one arm," he grins.
When Vanja enters, Hilidgrim is too busy studying someone across the room to notice the new arrival. He picks up a morsel of food and deposits it into his mouth. "If you'll excuse me, my fellows, my curiosity is beckoning me yonder." He jumps down from his chair and scurries to the back of the common room where an older tiefling female is sitting. Hildigrim has observed her eating, feeding a cat, but mostly reading. The book is what has caught his attention, and he approaches the table cautiously. "Pardon my interruption," he says, again bowing his head politely. "I can't help but notice the volume which has you so engrossed. I confess I can't stop pondering what might be the title and subject of your book." His eyes go wide and his smiles broadly. "My name is Hildigrim Goodbody," he says quickly, giving a little bow. "I'm from Waterdeep. My friends and I traveled up today to taste Ban Wai's sa-kay, which I have to say is quite enjoyable. She told me it is made similarly to most brewed drinks, but the taste ... It is so much more like wine, wouldn't you agree?" At last, he pauses and looks at her expectantly.
Hildigrim complained a little when Drusk picked up the tab for the meals and drinks ... but not too much.
(Drusk picked up the meal, but only a greater share of the drinks. There is still 3 GP left on the alcohol tab, to be split between Hildigrim and Jorin.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim complained a little when Drusk picked up the tab for the meals and drinks ... but not too much.
(Drusk picked up the meal, but only a greater share of the drinks. There is still 3 GP left on the alcohol tab, to be split between Hildigrim and Jorin.)
OOC: OK. I will deduct 1 gp and 5 sp from my purse.
The elderly Teifling moves her attention from the book to the Halfling now beside her, as she does the book closes slowly and it's black leather bound cover is all that can be seen.
"Oh it's nothing exciting I assure you. Just an old Teiflings way of passing some time" She says smiling, her eyes squinting behind large round rimmed glasses her gray hair in curls. A cat that was laying beside a bowl of water moves to the edge of the table close to the Halfling and lays down. "I admit it's been longer than I care to remember since a young man has come up to me in a tavern interested in what I was doing." She lets out a small giggle and her pale red skin turns a slightly deeper red. "Oh where are my manners? You may call me Mrs. Brinarei and this is my friend Mortimer" She gestures towards the feline. The old Teifling, shrunken under the weight of time puts out an arm and starts to stand. It looks as if something helps her bare her own weight as she comes into her upright posture and the chair she was sitting on gently slides backwards. She moves the outstretched arm towards the Halfling and puts out her hand palm down. "It's nice to meet you. What brings you to here?"
As the gently falling snow attempts to follow her inside, Vanja quickly shuts the tavern door behind her. The young woman has little on her person beyond the travel pack and cloak that rest comfortably on her shoulders, both of which she quickly dusts off to remove the lingering snow before it melts. She carries a staff in her right hand, and her dark hair is adorned with a kind of silk wrap in a deep green color.
She appears dazed for a moment when she looks about the taproom, but she quickly recovers with a shake of her head and curious glance at the three companions. She starts to take a step forward then stops as she looks around again, this time seeking out the innkeeper.
After picking out Wan Bai from the crowd, she slowly makes her way over.
"Excuse me," she says cordially with a polite nod of her head, "I've just come in off the road, and I was wondering if you still have any rooms available for the night?"
Jorin clapped Drusk on the shoulder and offered a hearty thanks for picking up the meal.
"This drink, it is really not bad." he says, "After having three, I think I have become quite fond of it actually. It is like my father always said, 'Son, if you don't like something, keep doing it until you do."
Jorin sits at the bench wearing simple clothes but no armor. His chain mail is in the room, he never wore it unless he had to. He carries two, single-bladed battleaxes sitting in loops on either hip. They are forged in the dwarven style with runic etchings worked into the blade heads. The hafts are wrapped in ruddy brown leather and capped with granite pommels that serve to balance the weapons for one-handed use.
His shirt has a wide neck leaving a bit of his upper chest and shoulders visible. Light blue tattoos flow out from one sleeve and up his neck. He has amber colored hair cut into a scalp lock running into a braid that falls to his mid back. His face carries a healthy amount of stubble, but more out of inattention to shaving than purposeful beard grooming. Taken all together, he looks like someone who would be rather intimidating, like someone who would be right at home swinging those axes into some poor soul on the battlefield -- but here, in the company of friends, his soft eyes and easy demeanor make him seem anything but that.
"Drusk, you said you spent time growing up in a village of Elves?"
Wan Bai comes over to Vanja. "You're in luck, we have one room left to let! It's five shards," she looks Vanja over, "That's silver pieces, as they call them in Waterdeep. A hot meal for another three."
If Vanja pays, Wan Bai will indicate the doorway in the back. "Rooms are through there, you'll be in the last one on the left side," she waves her tattooed left hand. "You can leave your stuff there. No keys, but only one way in or out, and we've always an eye on the door. Drop your stuff and I'll have a meal for you..." she looks around the room, noting that there are no free tables. "Well, we'll sit you when you get back."
OOC Edit > You all use the colored text for spoken dialogue thing, which I've never done but will endeavor to try.
Jorin clapped Drusk on the shoulder and offered a hearty thanks for picking up the meal.
...
"Drusk, you said you spent time growing up in a village of Elves?"
"Yes, I spent my whole life with elves. I'd be there still, but they insisted that an acolyte like myself should see the world. If I could spread The Lady's good word to far, far away lands, they said, it would be the greatest service. So here I am!
"And what brings you joy?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Vanja quickly sifts through a pouch at her belt and produces 8 small silver coins.
"A hot meal sounds wonderful," she responds with a smile before turning towards doorway to the rooms. "I'll be back out shortly."
With that, she makes her way to the indicated room with her belongings. She deposits her pack on the small table next to the bed, leans her staff against the wall, then removes her traveling cloak and looks about for a place to hang it.
OOC: On the colored dialogue topic, I mostly do it to add a bit of color to the mostly white page while also saying a little bit about my character. In Vanja's case, she rather nature-aligned, hence why I use the green color. That said, I certainly don't expect the DM to have to keep up with different colors for all of their NPCs. That's too much like work.
"How did a half-orc find himself in the company of Elves, if you do not mind my asking. I spent many, many years as a bit of an outsider myself, apprenticing in the dwarven forges."
Jorin noticed Vanja ordering food and can see there arenta any empty tables. Never one to miss out in an opportunity to meet someone new, he will say, "Excuse me miss, would you like to join our table?" when she emerges from the hall.
"How did a half-orc find himself in the company of Elves, if you do not mind my asking. I spent many, many years as a bit of an outsider myself, apprenticing in the dwarven forges."
"I was found as an infant during some battle during a great war that involved the elves. I've asked which war, who was fighting, and where I was found, but I could never get a straight answer. During times when the elders didn't realize I was listening, they talked about me being a 'joke not turning out like we expected.' I wished they were more forthcoming, but I had no desire to upset people who raised me healthy and introduced me to the teaching of Lliira."
Jorin noticed Vanja ordering food and can see there arenta any empty tables. Never one to miss out in an opportunity to meet someone new, he will say, "Excuse me miss, would you like to join our table?" when she emerges from the hall.
At those words, Drusk grabs a nearby chair and slides it to the table, filling an open space next to Jorin for Vanja. He also fills an empty (unused) cup, pouring from the wine pitcher on their table.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim looks at the proffered hand for a couple heartbeats, and then his face brightens. "Oh!" he says with delight. "Of course!" He gently takes the tiefling's fingers in his own, leans forward, and brushes her knuckles with his lips. He looks up at her, his eyes sparkling. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Brinarei." He isn't satisfied with his pronunciation, so he tries again: "Brinarei." He smiles, releasing her fingers. He then turns to address the feline. "It's nice to meet you, too, Mortimer." He slowly reaches forward to pet the cat between the ears. (You can let me know later whether Mortimer allows the touch or scratches the mess out of him.)
Hildi's eyes dart over to the closed book, but they readjust after a blink and look at Mrs. Brinarei. "Truthfully, we came to try the sa-kay. And I came over here because I was curious about your book." He looks again at the black leather cover. "I love books. Always have. I imagine I will in perpetuity." He looks back at the aged tiefling. "Even when my father was attempting to educate me on the finer details of running his fishery, all I could do was read." He looks away from Mrs. Brinarei in embarrassment. "Now that I am more mature, I can imagine how frustrating I must have been in my adolescence." His eyes snap back to the elder, "But now that I am on my own," he says with renewed vigor, "my passion is for adventure. Are you an adventurer?" he asks. But, as his eyes once again wash over Mrs. Brinarei, his face loses some of its eagerness.
Jorin listens to Drusk while finishing the last of his meal. "Ah, Lliira. She is known to my tribe. A true comfort in the harshness of the Frost Hills. I spent my adolescence in a sort of temple as well/ Steel and fire were our bread and wine, the ringing of hammer on anvil was our hymn." he says with a thump of his chest.
"Moradin's own taught me their craft. I'm out to see the world and take in all that I can before returning to my village as their war-smith. And right now," He says, reaching for the wine jug, "Right now that means taking in a bit more of this fine drink."
Mortimer looks up at the Halfling and squints his eyes seemingly enjoying the affection. A gentle purr emanates from the familiar.
"I'm afraid my best adventuring days are behind me... but i did see my fair share of it to be sure. My reasons for being here are... my husband you see..." Mrs. Brinarei looks off into the distance for a moment before coming back to the conversation. She looks at the Halfling in front of her. "Hildigrim was it? let me show you what I have been reading." The book slides over to the edge of the table and opens to the first page. "I have spent the last few years learning the ways of the arcane" She says with a deep eerie voice before a big smile comes across her face. She points to the first entry in the book "Its mostly just cheep parlor tricks and spells to give an old Tiefling some company..." She looks at Mortimer "Or to make things a little easier on these old Infernal bones"As she finishes her sentence her cup of wine slowly raises off the table and into her hand. She takes a small sip and the cup is taken from her hand and back to the table. "But don't let this old face fool you I still have some life in me and while I do i'm going to make the best of it!"
After hanging her cloak on one to the two pegs hammered into the wall of her room, Vanja makes her way back out to the taproom. Her eyes scan about looking for Wan Bai.
Wan Bai sees Vanja come back out, and the big louts who've been spending coin all night motioning her over, so she ushers Vanja to sit with the boys (only two of whom are there right now, the half-orc and the tattooed human, the halfling having gone to speak to someone in the back corner of the room).
"These young men have made room at their table, with the cold we're having a full night. The local folk have come to share the warm commons, and every room rented now, with yours. Oh, look, they're pouring you some of their wine. Here is the promised meal, and I've brought you a cup of water." With that she turns to attend to another table's call.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
OOC > Welcome to the Cottage on the Long Road, an adventure by Travis Legge I bought from the DM’s Guild. Thank you all for agreeing to play. Let’s have some fun!
IMPORTANT: Remember that we’re rewinding the clock a little. Criella will burst in presently, but I’m making some space for you all to interact and meet each other.
=====
The snow is swirling outside of the Dashing Satyr, a small inn, tavern, and general store a day north of Waterdeep. The structure sits by itself, a few cart lengths off the Long Road, which connects Waterdeep to Amphail and lands further north. The Satyr is both a waypost for travelers and a watering hole for the farmers in the area. It is a low, single-story building, a common room in front, a handful of sleeping rooms for rent at the back, and a separate stable to the side. There are a few mature trees in the yard and behind the building, but the terrain for the most part is open farmland.
The sun has dropped below the horizon, and even though it is early winter yet, the cold has driven everyone indoors.
Inside, a fire is roaring in the fireplace on the left wall of the common area, a good sized room with eight trestle tables and a mix of low stools and benches. All of the tables are occupied—though not all are full—mostly with locals, farmers in homespun, some with their families, their cold weather clothes laid out over the tables or benches. The hubbub of voices and the clatter of dishes makes for a pretty lively racket.
A door near the back wall leads to a small corridor and the 5 smallish rooms available for rent. A doorway on the right wall, next to the bar, leads to a back room, and has a sign above the door labeled “Store.” Another doorway behind the bar leads to what is clearly the kitchen. The bar has a curiously black lacquered top that looks decidedly foreign, but is quite pretty. On the wall behind it, along with the expected bottles and glasses are curiosities from a far foreign land, carved dragons, vases, a twisty dagger, and a curious helm with horns and an angry demon faceplate.
The owner, a stout human Shou woman in her late forties named Wan Bai, is visiting the tables, delivering drinks or stopping to talk. She is covered in intricate tattoos of dragons and flowers. A human girl is taking care of most of the serving, while a male half-orc behind the bar moves in and out of the kitchen with orders. You catch sight of a human cook in that back room.
One of the tables near the fire is dominated by three out of place characters, one a squat, powerfully built male half-orc with a wide grin, another a tall male human, fair skinned and muscled, with blue tattoos who is laughing and prodding the half orc, and the third a young male halfling staring quizzically into his drink. They are loud and at ease, and clearly have been here for a while.
The other patrons have given them a bit of space, though Wan Bai is happy to keep plying them with drink and food in exchange for their coin.
The door opens, and a young human woman steps in, shaking the snow from her wrap and stamping her boots. Closing the door behind her, she looks about the room, and when her eyes land on the tattooed barbarian, they flutter and roll up just briefly, and she puts out a hand to steady herself. Then she stands straight again.
=====
OOC > And we’re all here. I may not have called out all the characters yet, but you’re all now in the common room of the Dashing Satyr. Feel free to introduce yourselves, tell us what you’re doing, and let’s get this thing going.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
All characters except Vanja should deduct 5 sp for a room (the three of you boys could share, but there's only one bed per room, you decide). Also, deduct a standard meal price, 3 silver each, and the three guys have spent 5 gp on wine so far, between you. Spendy, but good.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
(Drusk has spent 4 gp so far: 5 sp on the room, 9 sp for the meals for himself/Jorin/Hildigrim, and 2 gp towards the wine/sah-kay tab. The leftover SP is a tip for the servers. Jorin and Hildigrim are welcome to sleep on the floor of his room or to drag a cot in, but Drusk is taking the bed.)
Drusk the half-orc left his shield upstairs, but almost never leaves his mace behind, even at the dinner table. People nearby will be able to see that the mace head has a smiley-face in yellow paint on it, although that is partially covered up by old blood spatters.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim complained a little when Drusk picked up the tab for the meals and drinks ... but not too much. "A thousand thank yous," the halfling finally says, giving the half-orc a big grin and a bow of the head in mock ceremonial fashion. "Next time, though," he warns, giving his patron a wink and pointing a stubby finger at his own chest. He was also more than willing to make a nest on Drusk's room floor with a blanket, saying, "Mother always said I could be comfortable balancing on a pin top so long as a I had a book under one arm," he grins.
When Vanja enters, Hilidgrim is too busy studying someone across the room to notice the new arrival. He picks up a morsel of food and deposits it into his mouth. "If you'll excuse me, my fellows, my curiosity is beckoning me yonder." He jumps down from his chair and scurries to the back of the common room where an older tiefling female is sitting. Hildigrim has observed her eating, feeding a cat, but mostly reading. The book is what has caught his attention, and he approaches the table cautiously. "Pardon my interruption," he says, again bowing his head politely. "I can't help but notice the volume which has you so engrossed. I confess I can't stop pondering what might be the title and subject of your book." His eyes go wide and his smiles broadly. "My name is Hildigrim Goodbody," he says quickly, giving a little bow. "I'm from Waterdeep. My friends and I traveled up today to taste Ban Wai's sa-kay, which I have to say is quite enjoyable. She told me it is made similarly to most brewed drinks, but the taste ... It is so much more like wine, wouldn't you agree?" At last, he pauses and looks at her expectantly.
(Drusk picked up the meal, but only a greater share of the drinks. There is still 3 GP left on the alcohol tab, to be split between Hildigrim and Jorin.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
OOC: OK. I will deduct 1 gp and 5 sp from my purse.
The elderly Teifling moves her attention from the book to the Halfling now beside her, as she does the book closes slowly and it's black leather bound cover is all that can be seen.
"Oh it's nothing exciting I assure you. Just an old Teiflings way of passing some time" She says smiling, her eyes squinting behind large round rimmed glasses her gray hair in curls. A cat that was laying beside a bowl of water moves to the edge of the table close to the Halfling and lays down. "I admit it's been longer than I care to remember since a young man has come up to me in a tavern interested in what I was doing." She lets out a small giggle and her pale red skin turns a slightly deeper red. "Oh where are my manners? You may call me Mrs. Brinarei and this is my friend Mortimer" She gestures towards the feline. The old Teifling, shrunken under the weight of time puts out an arm and starts to stand. It looks as if something helps her bare her own weight as she comes into her upright posture and the chair she was sitting on gently slides backwards. She moves the outstretched arm towards the Halfling and puts out her hand palm down. "It's nice to meet you. What brings you to here?"
As the gently falling snow attempts to follow her inside, Vanja quickly shuts the tavern door behind her. The young woman has little on her person beyond the travel pack and cloak that rest comfortably on her shoulders, both of which she quickly dusts off to remove the lingering snow before it melts. She carries a staff in her right hand, and her dark hair is adorned with a kind of silk wrap in a deep green color.
She appears dazed for a moment when she looks about the taproom, but she quickly recovers with a shake of her head and curious glance at the three companions. She starts to take a step forward then stops as she looks around again, this time seeking out the innkeeper.
After picking out Wan Bai from the crowd, she slowly makes her way over.
"Excuse me," she says cordially with a polite nod of her head, "I've just come in off the road, and I was wondering if you still have any rooms available for the night?"
Jorin clapped Drusk on the shoulder and offered a hearty thanks for picking up the meal.
"This drink, it is really not bad." he says, "After having three, I think I have become quite fond of it actually. It is like my father always said, 'Son, if you don't like something, keep doing it until you do."
Jorin sits at the bench wearing simple clothes but no armor. His chain mail is in the room, he never wore it unless he had to. He carries two, single-bladed battleaxes sitting in loops on either hip. They are forged in the dwarven style with runic etchings worked into the blade heads. The hafts are wrapped in ruddy brown leather and capped with granite pommels that serve to balance the weapons for one-handed use.
His shirt has a wide neck leaving a bit of his upper chest and shoulders visible. Light blue tattoos flow out from one sleeve and up his neck. He has amber colored hair cut into a scalp lock running into a braid that falls to his mid back. His face carries a healthy amount of stubble, but more out of inattention to shaving than purposeful beard grooming. Taken all together, he looks like someone who would be rather intimidating, like someone who would be right at home swinging those axes into some poor soul on the battlefield -- but here, in the company of friends, his soft eyes and easy demeanor make him seem anything but that.
"Drusk, you said you spent time growing up in a village of Elves?"
Wan Bai comes over to Vanja. "You're in luck, we have one room left to let! It's five shards," she looks Vanja over, "That's silver pieces, as they call them in Waterdeep. A hot meal for another three."
If Vanja pays, Wan Bai will indicate the doorway in the back. "Rooms are through there, you'll be in the last one on the left side," she waves her tattooed left hand. "You can leave your stuff there. No keys, but only one way in or out, and we've always an eye on the door. Drop your stuff and I'll have a meal for you..." she looks around the room, noting that there are no free tables. "Well, we'll sit you when you get back."
OOC Edit > You all use the colored text for spoken dialogue thing, which I've never done but will endeavor to try.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
"Yes, I spent my whole life with elves. I'd be there still, but they insisted that an acolyte like myself should see the world. If I could spread The Lady's good word to far, far away lands, they said, it would be the greatest service. So here I am!
"And what brings you joy?"
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Vanja quickly sifts through a pouch at her belt and produces 8 small silver coins.
"A hot meal sounds wonderful," she responds with a smile before turning towards doorway to the rooms. "I'll be back out shortly."
With that, she makes her way to the indicated room with her belongings. She deposits her pack on the small table next to the bed, leans her staff against the wall, then removes her traveling cloak and looks about for a place to hang it.
OOC: On the colored dialogue topic, I mostly do it to add a bit of color to the mostly white page while also saying a little bit about my character. In Vanja's case, she rather nature-aligned, hence why I use the green color. That said, I certainly don't expect the DM to have to keep up with different colors for all of their NPCs. That's too much like work.
"How did a half-orc find himself in the company of Elves, if you do not mind my asking. I spent many, many years as a bit of an outsider myself, apprenticing in the dwarven forges."
Jorin noticed Vanja ordering food and can see there arenta any empty tables. Never one to miss out in an opportunity to meet someone new, he will say, "Excuse me miss, would you like to join our table?" when she emerges from the hall.
"I was found as an infant during some battle during a great war that involved the elves. I've asked which war, who was fighting, and where I was found, but I could never get a straight answer. During times when the elders didn't realize I was listening, they talked about me being a 'joke not turning out like we expected.' I wished they were more forthcoming, but I had no desire to upset people who raised me healthy and introduced me to the teaching of Lliira."
At those words, Drusk grabs a nearby chair and slides it to the table, filling an open space next to Jorin for Vanja. He also fills an empty (unused) cup, pouring from the wine pitcher on their table.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildigrim looks at the proffered hand for a couple heartbeats, and then his face brightens. "Oh!" he says with delight. "Of course!" He gently takes the tiefling's fingers in his own, leans forward, and brushes her knuckles with his lips. He looks up at her, his eyes sparkling. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Brinarei." He isn't satisfied with his pronunciation, so he tries again: "Brinarei." He smiles, releasing her fingers. He then turns to address the feline. "It's nice to meet you, too, Mortimer." He slowly reaches forward to pet the cat between the ears. (You can let me know later whether Mortimer allows the touch or scratches the mess out of him.)
Hildi's eyes dart over to the closed book, but they readjust after a blink and look at Mrs. Brinarei. "Truthfully, we came to try the sa-kay. And I came over here because I was curious about your book." He looks again at the black leather cover. "I love books. Always have. I imagine I will in perpetuity." He looks back at the aged tiefling. "Even when my father was attempting to educate me on the finer details of running his fishery, all I could do was read." He looks away from Mrs. Brinarei in embarrassment. "Now that I am more mature, I can imagine how frustrating I must have been in my adolescence." His eyes snap back to the elder, "But now that I am on my own," he says with renewed vigor, "my passion is for adventure. Are you an adventurer?" he asks. But, as his eyes once again wash over Mrs. Brinarei, his face loses some of its eagerness.
Jorin listens to Drusk while finishing the last of his meal. "Ah, Lliira. She is known to my tribe. A true comfort in the harshness of the Frost Hills. I spent my adolescence in a sort of temple as well/ Steel and fire were our bread and wine, the ringing of hammer on anvil was our hymn." he says with a thump of his chest.
"Moradin's own taught me their craft. I'm out to see the world and take in all that I can before returning to my village as their war-smith. And right now," He says, reaching for the wine jug, "Right now that means taking in a bit more of this fine drink."
The half-orc brings out a plate of food and a cup from the kitchen, and Wan Bai scoops them up, looking for where Vanja has gotten to.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me
Mortimer looks up at the Halfling and squints his eyes seemingly enjoying the affection. A gentle purr emanates from the familiar.
"I'm afraid my best adventuring days are behind me... but i did see my fair share of it to be sure. My reasons for being here are... my husband you see..." Mrs. Brinarei looks off into the distance for a moment before coming back to the conversation. She looks at the Halfling in front of her. "Hildigrim was it? let me show you what I have been reading." The book slides over to the edge of the table and opens to the first page. "I have spent the last few years learning the ways of the arcane" She says with a deep eerie voice before a big smile comes across her face. She points to the first entry in the book "Its mostly just cheep parlor tricks and spells to give an old Tiefling some company..." She looks at Mortimer "Or to make things a little easier on these old Infernal bones" As she finishes her sentence her cup of wine slowly raises off the table and into her hand. She takes a small sip and the cup is taken from her hand and back to the table. "But don't let this old face fool you I still have some life in me and while I do i'm going to make the best of it!"
After hanging her cloak on one to the two pegs hammered into the wall of her room, Vanja makes her way back out to the taproom. Her eyes scan about looking for Wan Bai.
Wan Bai sees Vanja come back out, and the big louts who've been spending coin all night motioning her over, so she ushers Vanja to sit with the boys (only two of whom are there right now, the half-orc and the tattooed human, the halfling having gone to speak to someone in the back corner of the room).
"These young men have made room at their table, with the cold we're having a full night. The local folk have come to share the warm commons, and every room rented now, with yours. Oh, look, they're pouring you some of their wine. Here is the promised meal, and I've brought you a cup of water." With that she turns to attend to another table's call.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. Here's my D&D stuff. I love it so.
Campaign links for Game Log access because DDB has abandoned the forum dice roller, apparently.
Radiant Citadel by cbaer8 ~•~ Stormwreck Isle by Rforrest14 ~•~ Wildspace by Rhanloi ~•~ Rise of Tiamat by SteveThaiBinh ~•~ The Long Road currently by me